GEORGE TOWN, August 29 — Penang is experiencing a significant increase in tourism, driven by more direct flights from China and an uptick in luxury cruise liners choosing the island as a port of call. According to Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng, chairman of the Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP), this surge is bolstered by Penang’s growing reputation as an affordable, world-class destination with top-tier tourist attractions and renowned cuisine.
Tourism and Creative Economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted that Penang now boasts 44 direct flights to China, alongside connections to major international cities like Singapore, Bangkok, and Doha. The island’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal has also seen a rise in international transit passengers, further contributing to the state’s tourism growth. With 10 new hotels set to open and nearly seven million tourists recorded in 2023, Penang is well on its way to cementing its status as a premier global travel destination.
