GEORGW TOWN, November 18 – Penang International Airport (PIA) has recorded a strong surge in international arrivals between January and September this year, driven primarily by remarkable growth from China, Indonesia and India. According to Immigration Department data, arrivals from China soared by 520 per cent—from 26,056 in 2023 to 161,599 in 2025—making it Penang’s fastest-expanding tourism market.
Indonesia remained the top source country with 284,364 visitors, marking a 12.3 per cent increase, while India rose sharply by 245.1 per cent over two years. Other key markets such as Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan posted healthy double-digit increases, although Singapore saw a 12.2 per cent decline.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang is intensifying tourism promotion across China, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Korea and Japan, capitalising on the state’s diverse appeal—from beaches and heritage to hawker food, nightlife, medical facilities and its reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East.”
To strengthen its reach in West Asia, Penang Global Tourism has expanded partnerships with airlines and travel operators in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman, supported by participation in the Arabian Travel Market.
New flights via Qatar Airways (Doha) and Flydubai (Dubai), along with Arabic-language digital campaigns promoting Muslim-friendly amenities, halal food and family-oriented travel, are expected to significantly boost arrivals.
Wong added that Penang is also enhancing its position as a regional food capital through initiatives such as the Penang International Food Festival and the state’s growing presence in the MICHELIN Guide Malaysia. Ten iconic Penang dishes, including Nasi Kandar, Pasembur, Oh Chien and Mee Sotong, have been nominated for National Heritage recognition.
Combined with rising health tourism driven by internationally accredited hospitals and strategic airline collaborations, Penang is set to further strengthen its global tourism footprint.
