Penang among CNN’s 22 best destinations to visit in 2022

3 January 2022

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has made it onto CNN’s list of the 22 best destinations to visit in 2022.

It was named alongside Antigua and Barbuda; Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau; Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Chile; Colombo; Dijon, France; Disko Bay, Greenland; Gabon National Parks; Jordan; Lahti, Finland; and Australia’s Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert.

Others in the list included Naples, Italy; Ollantaytambo, Peru; Orkney Island, the United Kingdom; Oslo Beach, South Africa; St Eustatius, the Netherlands; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Valencia, Spain; and the US’ Yellowstone National Park.

The article said Covid-19 had left many longing for culinary-focused journeys and Penang ranks top among Asia’s best, offering a wide mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes.

It also noted that the popular Penang Hill was designated a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in September last year.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who shared the good news on his Facebook page, said Penang kick-started the new year with splendid tidings.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang being ranked among the must-visit destinations in 2022 as listed by CNN Travel would capture the hearts of visitors.

“Rich in various cultures, food, heritage and other key elements that would attract tourists from afar and near, Penang, also known as the Pearl of the Orient by many, is proud to have made it to the world platform.

“Experience Penang. Live life to the fullest,” he added.

Last month, Penang came in third after Malta and Mallorca in Spain in the list of “15 Best Islands in the World to Retire On” by International Living, a website that covers global retirement or relocation opportunities.