A delegation from Jilin, China made a visit to Penang and paid a courtesy call on Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai.
Also present at the meeting was YB Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota, Simon Saw （Advisor of Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association’s Penang Chapter）and Kwok Ching Ee (Manager of Penang Global Tourism).
Meanwhile, the Jilin delegation consisted of Sun Guangzhi (Director of Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism), Fan Min (Director of International and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Division, Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism), Lv Xianyong (Director of Resource Development Division, Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism), Cui Hua (Researcher of Market Promotion Division, Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism), Qi Changwu (Deputy Director of Tourism, Culture and Sports Bureau, Changbai Mountain Administrative Committee), Wei Bo (Chief of Tourism, Culture and Sports Bureau, Changbai Mountain Administrative Committee), Duan Guoyan (Board Secretary of ChangBai Mountain Tourism Co., Ltd.), Cui Yuanyu (President of Travel Agency Branch, Jilin Provincial Tourism Association) and Yan Tingyu (Reporter of China Travel News).
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties, while enabling Penang to explore opportunities in the Northeast China tourism market and lay the groundwork for initial cultural and tourism cooperation.
“Through this exchange, we explored opportunities to leverage the complementary strengths of our tourism offerings, develop tourism products, and strengthen tourism promotion and industry engagement. These discussions have laid a foundation for deeper cooperation in two-way tourist flows and mutually beneficial growth for both destinations,” he said.
“The Penang state government has been actively cultivating the China market in recent years by expanding direct air connectivity between Penang and major China cities. Penang is currently connected by scheduled direct flights to Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao and Haikou, while charter flights have also provided links to other cities in China. This extensive network of air routes from China offers travellers from Northeast China a wide range of connecting flight options to Penang.
Both sides could also explore the possibility of introducing direct winter charter flights to further strengthen air connectivity between Penang and Northeast China and expand two-way tourist flows.
Wong added that Penang’s air connectivity with China now spans South China, East China, North China and Southwest China. However, the state government remains committed to building on these achievements and expanding its reach into new markets.
“Northeast China remains a promising market with considerable potential for Penang’s tourism industry. We will continue to strengthen our existing market presence while exploring new source markets in the region, broadening Penang’s reach across China and identifying fresh opportunities for tourism growth,” he said.
“Penang enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, with attractive coastal scenery, blue skies and swaying coconut palms. Coupled with its rich Nanyang heritage, diverse culinary offerings and multicultural character, Penang offers visitors from Jilin a distinctly different travel experience from the winter landscapes of Northeast China,” he said.
Wong added that Jilin, located in Northeast China, experiences long and cold winters, typically lasting from November to March. In contrast, Penang enjoys abundant sunshine and a warm tropical climate throughout the year, alongside a wide range of coastal attractions and cultural experiences.
“This contrast in climate and tourism offerings creates favourable conditions for both destinations to explore seasonal tourism opportunities. With the added convenience of the mutual visa exemption arrangement between Malaysia and China, Penang can further explore the potential of winter-escape and seasonal long-stay tourism among travellers from Jilin and the wider Northeast China region.
“We hope to attract more visitors from Northeast China to spend their winter holidays in Penang, where they can enjoy the distinctive appeal of a tropical destination.” Wong added.
Wong also said the Jilin delegation had extended an invitation for the Penang state government delegation to visit Jilin in the future, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding of each other’s tourism resources and cultural and tourism industries.
“The Penang state government welcomes this invitation with an open and positive attitude. We look forward to further exchanges through reciprocal visits, broadening channels for cooperation and working together to unlock the tourism potential of both destinations,” he said.