According to Wong Hon Wai, the state has seen more than twice as many tourists in the first half of this year as it did in the same period in 2022, a 138% rise.This information originates from the Penang International Airport (PIA), according to the chairman of the state committee for tourism and creative economy.
"Compared to the first half of 2022, when there were 705,670 tourists registered, the number of tourists during the first half of 2023 was 1,682,094.
Heng Lee Lee (PH-Berapit) asked for an update on data on tourists visiting Penang in the first half of 2023 at the state legislative assembly on Wednesday (Nov 22). "This shows a more than double increase in the number of people coming to Penang this year," he said in response.
Heng enquired as to whether the number of visitors had increased or decreased from 2022.
Wong said that, according to PIA data, Indonesia accounted for 163,187 of the total number of visitors. Singapore came in second with 74,800, followed by China with 15,602 travelers.
Wong went on to say that more direct flights to Penang are now available as a result of state initiatives.
An increase in direct flights to Penang, including those operated by Xiamen Airlines (Xiamen to Penang), Qatar Airlines (Doha to Penang), and Firefly (Bangkok to Penang), is indicative of encouraging improvements in attempts to boost the tourism industry.
"The number of tourists visiting our state will rise in large part due to these direct flights.
"More travel locations and flight possibilities will support Penang's efforts to draw tourists from other nations.
"FlyDubai Airlines has announced the start of direct flights from Dubai to Penang in February 2024 as well," according to him.