Penang welcomes surge of Chinese tourists in 2024

Penang has welcomed a significant influx of Chinese tourists in the first half of 2024, with 44,847 arrivals by air, marking a 244.21% increase from the 13,029 visitors during the same period in 2023.

Following the inaugural flight of Juneyao Airlines from Shanghai to Penang on 31 May 2024, Shanghai Airlines has officially launched its first direct flight from Shanghai to Penang, touching down at Penang International Airport this morning at 7:11 AM.

This marks the second direct flight route between Shanghai and Penang.

Direct flights boost Chinese tourist arrival

Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), noted that these figures exclude those transiting through Kuala Lumpur or arriving via land or cruise.

“Penang has always been a sought-after destination for Chinese tourists, thanks to our warm hospitality, proficiency in Mandarin, diverse culinary offerings, and rich cultural heritage,” Wong said at the Penang International Airport.

The resumption of Shenzhen Airlines’ direct flights between Shenzhen and Penang highlights the growing connectivity between the two regions.

The airline, which had suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, will now operate thrice-weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with Airbus A320 aircraft.

Also present to welcome the first batch of visitors was Zhu Wea Ming, the general manager of Air China and Shenzhen Airlines in Malaysia.

The inaugural flight, ZH335, received a water salute upon arrival.

“The first flight from Shenzhen to Penang reached a 94% passenger load factor, while the return flight achieved 92%,” Zhu noted.

Enhancing Penang’s global connectivity

Penang currently boasts 30 direct flight routes to 17 international cities, including Shenzhen.

“The significance of a robust international flight network for a renowned tourist destination like Penang cannot be overstated,” said Wong.

The Shenzhen-Penang route joins existing connections to cities such as Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, among others.

“Shenzhen and Penang are vibrant economic hubs with abundant business and investment opportunities,” Wong added.

Shenzhen is known as China’s leading innovation hub, home to Fortune Global 500 companies like Huawei and Tencent.

Meanwhile, Penang, recognised as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” is a major exporter of electronics and semiconductors and a core hub for Malaysia’s gold and jewellery industry.

The direct flight route will facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among business communities, investors, and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and strengthening ties between Shenzhen and Penang.

The arrival of the inaugural flight coincided with several key events in Penang, including the Penang Bon Odori Festival, the George Town Festival, and the durian season.

Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lively Japanese cultural celebration, enjoy a variety of performances, and indulge in the local delicacy, durian.

Wong emphasised the growing bond between Malaysia and China as they mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Malaysia’s recent extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until the end of 2026 is expected to further boost tourism.

Looking ahead, Penang is set to host a large-scale food festival in November on both Penang Island and Seberang Perai.

Additionally, the next Foodicious Food & Beverage Expo is scheduled for 13 to 15 December at SPICE Arena.

The Greater Bay Area, encompassing Hong Kong, Macao, and several major cities in China, presents a significant and untapped market for Penang’s tourism industry.

With a population of 86 million, this region offers vast potential for tourism growth.

China Southern Airlines will double its weekly Guangzhou-Penang flights starting 1 September 2024, Juneyao Airlines will upgrade its Shanghai-Penang route to daily flights, and Xiamen Airlines will increase its flights to daily service.

Cathay Pacific will also boost its Hong Kong-Penang service to seven flights per week. Shanghai Airlines will launch its inaugural flight to Penang on 1 August 2024, operating three times a week.

Zhu expressed enthusiasm for the new route, highlighting the similarities between Shenzhen and Penang as diverse, open, and inclusive metropolises.

“The new route from Shenzhen to Penang is a major event for Shenzhen Airlines to further widen the Malaysian market,” Zhu said.

Shenzhen Airlines, the fifth largest airline in China and a member of Star Alliance, operates nearly 300 routes and transports almost 80,000 passengers per day.

Zhu emphasised the airline’s commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service, which has earned high praise from passengers and the industry.

Shenzhen Airlines has built an international network linking China with Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Spain.