CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow foresees a significant boost in Penang’s tourism industry this year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
At a Chinese New Year Dinner 2024 hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO) together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association & Invest Hong Kong at G Hotel, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed optimism about a surge in visitors from both countries.
“This is further boosted by the 30-day visa waiver for visitors from China to Malaysia from Dec 1 last year until the end of this year.
“China is a key tourist source market to us and ranks among the top six markets for tourist arrivals in our country. Malaysia received about 1.4 million Chinese tourists last year,” said Chow during the Chinese New Year Reception.
With the resumption of direct flights by the airline Cathay Pacific between Hong Kong and Penang in December 2022, Chow was pleased with the increased connectivity between Penang, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.
“I am confident that this development will attract many international travellers, including celebrities from China and Hong Kong, to choose Penang as their destination,” he said.
Chow took pride in Penang’s continued position as the country’s top exporter, achieving a value of RM37.3 billion last year.
He expressed optimism for Penang’s future prosperity.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office acting director-general Allen Pang commended the strong bilateral ties.
“We are delighted to welcome an influx of Malaysian tourists to Hong Kong,” he said, highlighting the commitment to enhancing ties, particularly in healthcare.
Among those who attended the reception were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, vice-consul general of China in Penang, Ding Qiao, Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association (HKMBA) president Dixon Chew, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council director Hoh Jee Eng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En