GEORGE TOWN, March 31 — Penang is actively targeting tourists from China, India, and Southeast Asia to counter reduced arrivals from the Middle East and Europe, following ongoing conflicts affecting regional flights.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said grounded airlines in Doha and Dubai have disrupted travel routes, particularly for European visitors who often transit through the Middle East.
Wong highlighted new direct flights from China, including Qingdao and Chongqing, which are expected to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists, boosting local economic activity. Since September 2023, Xiamen Airline alone has transported 220,000 passengers to Penang.
Generating over RM100 million in estimated economic impact through spending on accommodation, food, transport, retail, and services. Wong also noted opportunities to attract MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) events to Penang.
Particularly as Middle East conferences face cancellations. The state is exploring hosting international conferences that were previously scheduled in Dubai to strengthen tourism and business engagement.
