Penang Hyperlocal exclusive by V. Sivaji
Foreign tourists are back in droves to George Town, Penang and the enchanting island of Langkawi.
Sighted were tourists from China, the Middle East, Singapore, India, Europe and other destinations.
A recent survey by Penang Hyperlocal at several hotels and resorts shows that both islands are experiencing an overwhelming number of visitors and holiday makers.
In Penang, many city hotels and beach resorts on the island are experiencing brisk business. The arrival of several direct flights from China has greatly added to the tourism boom from China.
Among the direct flights being offered are the Juneyao Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific and the latest being the Shanghai Airlines. The flexible connectivity offers Chinese tourists convenient travel arrangements.
Many Chinese tourists can be seen walking along the UNESCO Heritage Zone and taking in the sights and sceneries daily. And while here, they also enjoy the famous hawker food and not forgetting the enticing Penang durians too.
City hotels like the JEN Hotel, St Giles Wembley, Cititel Penang, Royale Chulan Penang, NEO+ Hotel and also beach hotels and resorts are enjoying brisk business.
Dato Tony Goh – MAH Penang chairman
According to MAH Penang Chapter chairman Dato Tony Goh, “at the moment there are also FIT travellers and groups of family members.
“With the direct flight, Penang has become a holiday destination from big and small cities in China. There are also Chinese businessmen coming to look at business opportunities in view of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China”, said Goh.
Meanwhile, over in Langkawi, among the vibrant hotels on the island which are vibrant are the Pelangi Resort, Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Cenang, Berjaya and the Parkroyal Langkawi.
“Although local tourists might be hampered due to various issues, foreign arrivals via the Langkawi International Airport have seen an uptake.
“Most of the arrivals are from China, Middle East, Europe, Singapore and India too.
“Several hotels located in Pantai Cenang are experiencing good occupancy rates. This is a much welcomed development as tourism is one of the main economic and employment drivers for the island”, added Eugene Dass, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Kedah/Perlis Chapter.
MAH Kedah/Perlis chairman – Eugene Dass
Penang State Exco YB Wong Hon Wai in a recent event also hailed the direct flights from China which is contributing to the local tourism and economy of the state.
“The Greater Bay area in China is one of the main sources of visitors here and they like our weather and of course the food here. The Penang International Airport (PIA) has direct flights by Juneyao Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific and the latest by Shanghai Airlines.
Kudos to state agencies like the Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) for their untiring effort, hard work and diligent plans for making this feat possible.
More so, when this commendable achievement is also the envy of the other states in the country !
