Penang’s Hospitality Boom: Record Tourist Influx and Hotel Bookings Soar During Holidays

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Penang has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals and hotel bookings, highlighting the island’s enduring appeal to both domestic and international visitors. According to the latest data from Tourism Malaysia, a total of 7.27 million tourists stayed overnight in Penang hotels last year, marking a 30.2% increase compared to the 5.58 million tourists in 2022. This positive trend is attributed to the aggressive efforts by the state government to promote Penang as a tourist destination.

The increase in tourist numbers has also led to the opening of new hotels, such as The George Penang and Penang Marriott Hotel, which have begun operations to cater to the growing demand. Penang’s tourism sector is further bolstered by its attractiveness to cruise ships, with notable vessels like ‘Costa Deliziosa,’ ‘Serenade of the Seas,’ and the world’s largest private cruise ship, ‘MS The World,’ making stops at the island. In 2023, the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal recorded 573,178 international passengers, a 30.56% increase from 2022, and 156 international cruise ships berthed at the terminal, an 85.71% increase from the previous year.

The state’s tourism initiatives also include cultural events, such as the 28th National International Museum Day Festival, which was held in Penang for the first time. This festival, organized by the Penang State Museum Board, attracted about 1,000 museum practitioners and drew a total of 214,371 visitors. The Guar Kepah Archaeological Center project is also in its final phase of development, adding to the island’s historical and cultural attractions.

In terms of international tourist arrivals, the first half of 2024 saw 913,126 tourists arriving in Penang by air, a 25.78% increase from the same period in 2023. The number of Chinese tourists flying directly to Penang surged by 244.21%, with 44,847 visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to 13,029 in the first half of 2023. These figures indicate a strong potential for tourism growth, especially with new direct flight routes being launched, such as the one by HK Express Airways.

Hotel bookings in Penang reflect the island’s popularity, with various hotels offering unique experiences. For instance, boutique hotels like The Blue Mansion, East Indies Mansion, and Noordin Mews are highly rated for their historic charm and attentive staff. Family travelers often prefer hotels like Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang, and Coffee Atelier, while couples favor Macalister Mansion and 88 Armenian. The average cost for a 3-star hotel in Penang is around $68 per night, while 4-star and 5-star hotels cost approximately $139 and $325 per night, respectively.

Wong Hon Wai, the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, emphasized that these positive figures demonstrate Penang’s enduring appeal to tourists. “This positive figure shows that Penang has always been the choice of domestic and foreign tourists in line with the aggressive efforts made by the state government through its agencies to promote Penang,” he stated.

Penang’s robust tourism sector is driven by its rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and strategic tourism initiatives, making it a top destination for travelers from around the world.

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