Brimming with excitement: Lo welcoming tourists from Yunnan upon their arrival at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will focus on its heritage, culinary delights and natural attractions to woo Chinese tourists during the Golden Week, which also coincides with the visit of the Chinese Navy this weekend.
The offerings include George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, alongside its famous Michelin-recognised street food.
Penang Hill, with its 130-million-year-old rainforest that is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, will be featured prominently as well.
“The durian season is over, so we will promote Penang’s heritage, food and natural attractions such as the beaches and Penang Hill,” said Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai yesterday.
Yesterday was China’s National Day and the nationwide public holiday from Oct 1 to Oct 7 is called the Golden Week – a time for people to reunite with families and take trips.
Wong said for the Golden Week, the state government is expecting more Chinese tourists as some airlines had increased their frequency to Penang International Airport (PIA).
He said for instance, China Southern Airlines had doubled its flights from Guangzhou to Penang, an increase from seven flights a week to 14 since Sept 1.
He added that to date, Penang has established direct flight connections to eight cities in China, including Xiamen (Xiamen Airlines), Guangzhou (China Southern Airlines), Shenzhen (Shenzhen Airlines and upcoming AirAsia this month), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and the upcoming HK Express Airways in November), Shanghai (Juneyao Airlines and Shanghai Airlines), Haikou (Batik Air), Chongqing (Firefly Airlines) and Kunming (Batik Air).
“Even the 83rd task force, composed by training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan attached to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, will be calling on Penang during the Golden Week from Saturday to Tuesday,” he said.
With more Chinese tourists expected to arrive within the period, Wong urged hoteliers and tourism players to double up their efforts, adding that locals must plan their journeys and outings to avoid congestion.
He added that Penang will also diversify its efforts by promoting meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, with large crowds from China expected to come for the World Research Travel Conference in November.
“From January to August, Penang witnessed a remarkable 247.9% surge in Chinese tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year.
“The number of Chinese tourists entering Penang by air reached 74,891, compared to 21,529 during the same period in 2023,” he said.
At the PIA, a steady influx of tourists from China began arriving on the early flights yesterday.
Tour guide Jacky Lo, 55, welcomed 33 tourists from Yunnan, China at the airport.
He said the tourists have chartered a bus to move about while exploring the local offerings.
“The group will be spending the entire Golden Week here. After Penang, they will visit Pulau Langkawi before returning to China,” he said, adding that arrivals have so far been smooth.
In George Town, large groups of Chinese tourists were spotted in the area, many of whom were admiring Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic as he repainted his iconic murals.
While some groups sought the services of tour agents, many were on their own.
Estelle Ma, 18, from Wuhan, will visit the attractions here based on recommendations on social media.
“We got to know about Penang through promotions on blogs and local televisions back in China.
“What attracted us most are the local food and city heritage, so we decided to make a quick trip,” said Ma, who is spending three days in Penang.
