PENANG is welcoming the resumption of Qatar Airways daily flight services to Penang from Doha (via Phuket) beginning Oct 29.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang would like to see an increase in direct flights, not only from the East but also from the West.
“Xiamen Airlines has direct flights to Penang since September this year. Soon, we are going to welcome direct flights from the West, which is from Qatar Airways.
“The resumption of Qatar Airways daily flight services to Penang from Doha (via Phuket) will enable international tourists and business travellers from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa to experience the wonders of Penang. This is a huge market,” Wong said in an interview today.
Wong said the state had been striving to bring in huge numbers of business travellers.
“We are pushing for more convention, conference, and exhibition visitors, especially in the medical and engineering fields, to come to Penang. Besides that, the state is also promoting medical tourism in Southeast Asia,” he said.
On enhancing the travelling experience of domestic and foreign tourists, Wong said Penang is anticipating numerous infrastructure projects; namely the Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion, the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Penang Hill Cable Car, and the Gurney Bay.
“These projects can improve the travelling experience of tourists. There are also several upcoming new hotels in Penang,” he added.