Surge in tourists: Guests waiting to check in at a popular hotel located in the heart of George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The combination of a weaker ringgit and Penang’s rich authenticity and charm has positioned it as the go-to destination without burdening travellers’ pockets.
Besides enjoying an affordable holiday here, foreigners also get to take home reasonably-priced souvenirs and local tidbits such as nutmeg products, local coffee and snacks like pickled fruits (jeruk), T-shirts and even cloth bags with street art designs.
Another favourite especially with the European crowd is the local batik.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said while Penang sees tourists from all over, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Australia and United Kingdom, Indonesia and Singapore still seem to top the list.
“The weak ringgit against the strong Singapore dollar and our medical tourism has brought in more Singaporeans and Indonesians to Penang.
“There were 74 flights per week from Singapore to Penang serviced by four airlines in January last year and this has increased to 112 flights per week as of December last year, serviced by five airlines.
“When it comes to visitors from Indonesia, they are opting for affordable medical tourism in Penang rather than in Singapore.
“Indonesia and Singapore are the top two in terms of nationalities’ arrival at the Penang International Airport.
“Last year, we saw 345,786 visitors from Indonesia and 186,353 from Singapore, followed by 37,711 from China,” he said.
Wong said one of the reasons why Penang is the top choice for tourists from these countries is because the ringgit had gotten weaker compared to the Singapore dollar, Thai baht and the Chinese yuan.
“In the coming months, we expect more tourists from the Middle East and Europe as well,” he said.
Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (Atap) chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the weaker ringgit allowed tourists from other countries, which previously were not the target audience for Penang, to now visit the state.
“Not only tourists from Singapore, Taiwan and Middle Eastern countries are visiting Penang, but also those from Thailand and Vietnam are coming over, which is a good sign.
“When you are cheaper, more people will come,” he said, adding that Penang was one of the top destinations in South-East Asia last year.
Ch’ng said that while Singapore has become costly to visit, places like Penang offer culture, heritage and safety without one needing to break the bank.
“Penang especially has a lot to offer,” he said.
At a new popular hotel in the heart of George Town, its general manager Peter Lo said they are at full capacity with tourists from all over.
“January is usually a slow month for hotels, but this time, the occupancy is higher than usual.“Penang is experiencing a good spell and we are seeing 70% to 80% occupancy this time compared to the usual 30% to 40%.
“The currency drop, coupled with the frequency of direct flights, has helped Penang.
“For some, a five-star hotel experience will cost them hundreds in their currency, whereas here, S$100 (RM352) is enough to get the same experience with great hospitality,” he said.
Lo said the majority of tourists at the hotel seem to be from the northern China market as well as Indonesia and Thailand.
“We do have plenty of Australian and European tourists as well.
“The market is expected to be the same next month, with bookings already coming in.
“People want to travel and the present currency exchange rate has made Malaysia an affordable option,” he added.
