PENANG has welcomed 44,847 Chinese tourists by air in the first half of this year, a 244.21% increase compared to the 13,029 visitors during the same period in 2023.
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), mentioned that this figure does not include those who transited through Kuala Lumpur before arriving in Penang or entered Penang via land transportation or cruise.
“Penang has always been a sought-after destination for Chinese tourists, thanks to our warm hospitality, proficiency in Mandarin language, diverse culinary offerings, and rich cultural heritage.
“China is Penang’s third-largest tourist market after Indonesia and Singapore,” Wong said at the Penang International Airport, where he welcomed the resumption of Shenzhen Airlines’ direct flight between Shenzhen and Penang today.
The airline had operated direct flights between Shenzhen and Penang for about two months before halting operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will now operate thrice-weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with Airbus A320 aircraft, providing a convenient travel option for both cities’ residents, visitors and businessmen.
Also present at the Penang airport 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, which took off from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, received a water salute upon arrival at the Penang airport this afternoon after a journey of about 3 ½ hours.
According to Zhu, the first flight from Shenzhen to Penang reached 94% passenger load factor, while from Penang to Shenzhen reached 92%.
Wong noted that Penang currently has 30 direct flight routes to 17 international cities, including Shenzhen, served by various airlines.
“The significance of a robust international flight network for a renowned tourist destination like Penang cannot be overstated.
“The Shenzhen-Penang direct flight becomes Penang’s 17th international route, joining existing connections to cities such as Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Haikou (charter flight) and Chongqing (charter flight).
“Shenzhen and Penang are vibrant economic hubs with abundant business and investment opportunities. Shenzhen, known as China’s leading innovation hub, is home to Fortune Global 500 technological corporations such as Huawei, Tencent, and BYD. Additionally, Shenzhen is also a major centre for the gold and jewellery industry in China.
“Penang, recognised as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” is the world’s 6th largest exporter of electronics and semiconductors and is also Malaysia’s core hub for the gold and jewellery industry, with approximately 80% of Malaysia’s gold and jewellery export products coming from Penang’s jewellery enterprises.
“The Shenzhen-Penang direct flight route will facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among our business communities, investors, and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and strengthening ties between our cities,” Wong said in his speech.
He added that the arrival of the inaugural flight coincided with the Penang Bon Odori Festival, the George Town Festival, and the durian season.
This allows the visitors of this inaugural flight to head to the Esplanade for the Bon Odori Festival to immerse themselves in the lively Japanese cultural celebration, enjoy a variety of performances such as “Pengalaman Prangin,” “Yam Seng Lah!,” “They All Die At The End,” and “The Story of My Wedding,” during the George Town Festival and indulge in the delicious king of fruits during the durian season.
With the increasing number of direct flights connecting China and Penang, Wong said the Greater Bay Area presents a significant and untapped market for Penang’s tourism industry.
The Greater Bay Area encompasses Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing, covering an area of 56,000 sq kilometres and is home to 86 million people.
Wong highlighted the growing bond between Malaysia and China as they mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Moreover, Malaysia recently announced the extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until the end of 2026.
Wong said both have witnessed numerous favourable developments in air connectivity, including China Southern Airlines doubling its weekly Guangzhou-Penang flights starting Sept 1, 2024, Juneyao Airlines upgrading its Shanghai-Penang route to daily flights, Xiamen Airlines increasing its flights to daily service, and Cathay Pacific boosting its Hong Kong-Penang service to seven flights per week. Additionally, Shanghai Airlines will launch its inaugural flight to Penang on Aug 1, 2024, operating three times a week.
Zhu expressed his 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.
“Shenzhen Airlines is the fifth largest airline in China and a member of Star Alliance. It has about 220 aircraft, operating nearly 300 routes and transporting almost 80,000 passengers per day,” Zhu said in his speech.
He pointed out that Shenzhen Airlines has won high praise from passengers and the industry with its safety-first concept, innovative and thoughtful service and comfortable travel experience.
He emphasised that the 31-year airline’s year development has provided it with a profound foundation and a vigorous driving force.
Regarding international development strategy, Zhu explained that Shenzhen Airlines has built an international network linking China and Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Spain, covering 16 international cities.
Also present at the welcoming ceremony were Dr Annuar Mohamed, director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) Penang office; Shahrul Aman Sabir Ahmad, director of Tourism Malaysia, Northern Region; Ooi Cheok Yan, chief executive officer of Penang Global Tourism; Carolyn Leong, chairwoman of Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents, Penang Chapter; Edwin Tan, chairman of Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association, Penang Chapter; Mohd Nadzim Hashim, senior airport manager (Penang International Airport) Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd; and Saravanan Ramasamy, chief executive officer of Pos Aviation.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat