CJMY
In a significant development for regional travel, Batik Air has resumed operations on the Penang-Guilin route. The airline marked this revival with the arrival of an inaugural flight at Penang International Airport on September 17. Carrying 75 passengers from Guilin, China, this event signifies a positive step in reconnecting Malaysia and China through air travel.
Batik Air’s Sales General Manager, Navarajan Subramaniam, announced plans to operate two weekly flights on this route, facilitating travel between Penang International Airport (PEN) and Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL). These flights are scheduled every Sunday and Thursday, offering travellers increased accessibility.
China remains a vital market
The Penang-Guilin flight services had been temporarily halted due to the pandemic, making this resumption of operations a welcome development for both countries. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman, Wong Hon Wai, highlighted the significance of this renewed link, emphasising that China remains a vital market for Malaysia’s tourism industry.
Wong Hon Wai recently participated in ITB China in Shanghai, where representatives from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Sarawak engaged with stakeholders in China. During his visit, he explored opportunities for direct flights from various Chinese cities, recognising the potential for expanded tourism connections.
“Congratulations to Batik Air on their initiative to reconnect the flight service between Penang and Guilin,” said Wong, who also drew attention to the shared UNESCO status of both regions. Guilin and Penang each boast two UNESCO recognitions, contributing to their allure as travel destinations.
In 2014, Guilin Karst, a part of the South China Karst, earned UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site status. Subsequently, in 2018, Lingqu Canal in Xing’an County near Guilin was listed as a World Irrigation Project Heritage.
Penang’s UNESCO journey began in 2018 when it received World Heritage Site status alongside Melaka. Recently, on September 15, 2021, Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve was added under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.
Penang-Guilin route can boost tourism
Chinese Consul-General to Penang, Zhou Youbin, expressed optimism about strengthening ties between Malaysia and China through increased flights. Zhou highlighted the abundant and diverse tourism resources in Malaysia, particularly in the northern region, which has long been a favourite among Chinese tourists.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, and next year will be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Zhou noted. These milestones reflect the enduring friendship between the nations.
The resumption of the Penang-Guilin route holds the potential to further boost tourism in both regions. Zhou’s hope is that more provinces and cities in China will follow suit, creating mutually beneficial air links and contributing to the tourism sector’s recovery.
Also present at the event was Penang Global Tourism CEO, Ooi Chok Yan, underlining the collaborative efforts to promote tourism and strengthen connections between Malaysia and China.
The revival of Batik Air’s Penang-Guilin route marks a significant step towards rekindling tourism links between Malaysia and China. As the pandemic’s grip loosens, this renewed air travel connection offers hope for a resurgence in tourism and cultural exchanges.
The commitment of both nations to strengthen these ties, especially in the northern region of Malaysia, where the appeal to Chinese tourists remains strong, bodes well for the future of the tourism industry.
The resumption of this route not only reconnects two vibrant destinations but also symbolises the enduring friendship and diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. As travellers once again take to the skies, they can look forward to exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of Guilin and Penang, both boasting UNESCO recognition.
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