Tourism Destination Marketing students explore heritage and gastronomy in George Town

Students from the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Tourism Destination Marketing programme at the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) embarked on an educational field trip to the George Town World Heritage Site, Penang, as part of their courses — UBTT3033 Safety and Security for Tourism Destination, UBTT3013 Gastronomy Tourism, and UBTT1043 Hospitality Services. 

Coordinated by THP FBF academics Dr Anthony Tee Mooi Kwong and Ms Nur Aliah binti Mansor, the trip provided students with valuable hands-on learning experiences that connected classroom knowledge with real-world applications in heritage conservation, gastronomy tourism and hospitality management. 

The objectives of the field trip were to enhance students’ understanding of UNESCO’s heritage preservation principles, examine safety and security practices in heritage sites, and document Penang’s rich culinary heritage as an essential tourism product. The initiative encouraged experiential learning through direct engagement with industry professionals, heritage practitioners, and local operators.

A key highlight of the trip was a talk delivered by the Manager of the Department of Communications and Collaborations at George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), Mr Vick Quah. He shared insights into the importance of heritage conservation, the challenges of balancing preservation with urban development and the opportunities within the heritage tourism sector. Mr Quah also guided students on a walking tour through the heritage enclave, where they observed the diverse architectural styles and conservation efforts that have made George Town a model UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The learning journey continued with a guided tour by Mr Irfan to several historic clan buildings, including the renowned Khoo Kongsi. Known for its intricate carvings and cultural legacy, Khoo Kongsi offered students meaningful insights into heritage tourism and community-based conservation. The visit also enabled them to assess safety and security measures implemented at heritage sites, including fire prevention systems, structural safety and crowd management practices.

Culinary exploration was another integral part of the trip, allowing students to experience Penang’s vibrant gastronomy scene first-hand. They sampled local delicacies, observed hygiene standards at hawker centres, and explored traditional food production shops. Through these activities, students gained a better appreciation of how culinary heritage strengthens Penang’s identity as a leading food tourism destination.

The field trip concluded with a visit to the historic Clan Jetties at Weld Quay, where students learned about the site’s history, cultural significance, and evolving role in tourism. They also evaluated the safety measures and sustainability efforts adopted by local operators to maintain the site as both a living community and a heritage attraction.

Overall, the field trip served as a transformative learning experience that deepened students’ understanding of heritage, safety, and gastronomy tourism. By immersing themselves in the cultural and culinary heritage of George Town, students strengthened their critical thinking, professional readiness and appreciation of sustainable tourism development in Malaysia.