Summary
- Penang records 8.77 million hotel guests in 2025, up 37.2% from 2019.
- Business events generate RM1.98 billion in estimated economic impact.
- State strengthens heritage conservation, visitor safety and tourism attractions.
GEORGE TOWN, November 4 — Penang’s tourism industry has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, recording 8.77 million hotel guests in 2025, a 37.2% increase from 2019, state tourism executive councillor Wong Hon Wai said.
Responding to questions during the Penang State Assembly, Wong said domestic hotel guests reached 5.29 million, while international guests totalled 3.47 million in 2025.
The recovery continued into 2026, with 4.25 million hotel guests recorded between January and June, representing a 45.5% increase compared with the same period in 2019.
Penang’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector also expanded, generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.98 billion in 2025, compared with RM1.03 billion in 2023.
Wong said geopolitical tensions in West Asia had prompted some international event organisers to consider relocating conferences to Asia-Pacific destinations, including Penang.
Meanwhile, the state gazetted 63 heritage items in 2026, covering historic buildings, traditional food and cultural practices.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated allocated RM17.05 million for conservation incentives covering 350 Category I and II heritage buildings.
However, Wong clarified that UNESCO does not provide direct funding for building repairs, with restoration costs supported by government allocations and private property owners.
Following concerns over deteriorating heritage buildings, authorities are conducting structural inspections and issuing repair notices to owners of unsafe properties.
The Penang State Museum, which reopened on July 24, recorded 72,355 visitors by October 14.
The state is also expanding tourism attractions beyond George Town, including destinations across Seberang Perai, Balik Pulau and Batu Ferringhi.
Wong said the government would continue promoting longer visitor stays, international flight connections and diversified tourism experiences to strengthen tourism spending and benefit local communities.
