C. Khor
Chinese tourists in Penang reached 208,556 in 2025 on international flights. That is up 73.5% from 120,245 in 2024. It is also 5.5 times the 37,771 recorded in 2023. Hainan Airlines is among the carriers adding to the mix, with its Haikou to Penang link.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai gave the figures. He spoke after opening the Inbound China and Global Travel Exchange (ICGTE) 2026 on 12 November. Moreover, he said the real number is likely higher.
Here is how the numbers grew, what they leave out and what Penang is building next. However, Wong gave no 2026 figure.
How Chinese tourists in Penang grew since 2023
The 2025 total is 208,556 arrivals through international flights. Specifically, that is 88,311 more than in 2024. That gap is our arithmetic, not Wong’s.
Moreover, against 2023, the count is about 5.5 times higher. In that year, Penang recorded 37,771 Chinese arrivals. Therefore, the market has grown fast in two years.
Currently, Penang has direct flights to several major Chinese cities. They are Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Qingdao and Haikou. Hong Kong is also on the list.
Importantly, Wong said Penang is well placed to draw more visitors. He pointed to its heritage, food, natural sites and modern city life. Moreover, he said the state wants closer ties with travel agencies.
What the Chinese tourists in Penang count leaves out
Specifically, Wong said the figure covers only direct international flights. It does not include visitors who connect through Kuala Lumpur. It also leaves out cruise ship passengers and overland arrivals.
As a result, the true number of Chinese visitors is likely considerably higher. However, Wong did not give an estimate. Likewise, he did not say how many arrive by each route.
Read more: RM2.69bil contract awarded for Penang LRT cross-sea extension
Read more: Mutiara Line LRT link to Penang Sentral to start in 2027
Read more: Hainan Airlines links Haikou to Penang as the airport grows
Notably, the count also stops at 2025. Wong gave no figure for 2026 so far. However, the ICGTE event suggests the state is still courting the market.
Meanwhile, Wong said stronger links between local agencies and overseas partners can improve travel offers. He said that would open new business on both sides. In addition, he said the Chinese market offers big chances for the state’s tourism industry.
Penang airport and LRT plans for Chinese tourists
In addition, Wong said the airport’s expansion is under way. It should lift yearly passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million by 2028. Overall, that nearly doubles the room for flights and visitors.
Separately, he pointed to the Mutiara Line light rail project. He said it should finish in 2031 and help visitors move around the state. For more, see our report on the RM2.69bil cross-sea contract.
Furthermore, Wong said the hospitality sector is growing. He said several hotel developments are planned. However, he did not name any hotel or give room numbers. Notably, he said these projects show the state’s drive to be an accessible, competitive and attractive destination. They also give travel agencies and overseas partners more chances to add Penang to their tour programmes.
In short, Chinese tourists in Penang reached 208,556 in 2025, up 73.5% on the year before. The count leaves out connecting flights, cruises and overland trips. Watch for the 2026 figure.
Maran Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
Add comment