GEORGE TOWN, Aug 30 — On most weekends groups of visitors on bicycles clog up the narrow streets of inner George Town and lines form for photo opportunities with the area’s many murals.

Not many are complaining. The tourist trade in Penang is heating up and August has been especially good as the traditional tourist season coincides with the GeorgeTown Festival.

“The dual effects of this month being a tourist season and the festival are very encouraging as we see higher occupancy rates this month,” said Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter acting chairman Khoo Boo Lim.

He said average occupancy rates for hotels this month is at about 70 per cent, up from about 60 per cent.

Homestay owner, Leong See Kit said bookings have risen.

“We are seeing 90 per cent occupancy on weekends this month compares to last month,” he said.

Tourists admiring an installation at Lebuh Armenian during the George Town Festival in Penang, August 21, 2014. — Picture by K.E. Ooi
Tourists admiring an installation at Lebuh Armenian during the George Town Festival in Penang, August 21, 2014. — Picture by K.E. Ooi

Narelle McMurtie, owner of China House Cafe said the buzz surrounding George Town Festival has been palpable.

“This festival is amazing, you can feel the buzz throughout George Town. It is very street based and has something for everyone,” she said,

She credits the festival for drawing in crowds from Kuala Lumpur on weekends.

“Obscura Festival has also generated a fun crowd for us,” the restaurateur said.

China House is one of the main hosts for Obscura Festival, a photography event part of the George Town Festival.

Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (Atap) chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the mature and well organised festival helped tourist numbers.

Mugshot Café owner Jesse Tan also saw an increase in business this month especially on weekends when many of the performances are held.

“We see more crowds by about 10 to 15 per cent this month but I’m not sure if it’s because of the festival or it’s the tourist season,” he said.

George Town Festival started on August 1 and has a total 147 programmes consisting of art exhibitions, performances and street art all around George Town.

The festival is an annual month-long celebration of the inscription of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage site.