Established on 12 August 2005, KOPEL (Koperasi Pelancongan Pulau Pinang Berhad/Penang Tourism Cooperative Ltd.) was initiated to serve as a platform to preserve the living trade of beca (trishaw) and to promote eco and agro tourism on the fringes of Penang Island and its mainland.

The growing membership of beca (trishaw) entrepreneurs comprising of 50 members, served as the inspiration for the Corporative’s logo. Originally made up of primarily beca members, KOPEL has grown to encompass affiliates from other areas of tourism including the homestay programme and individual parties related to the tourism industry.

The Board of Directors are made up of professionals from various backgrounds with more than 50 years of combined experience.