BATU KAWAN: Penang’s tourism sector is expected to sustain its upward momentum this year, with more than eight million tourists projected to arrive through Penang International Airport.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the positive outlook is driven largely by the introduction of new international flight routes, particularly direct services linking Penang with key cities in Asia and Southeast Asia.
He noted that Penang International Airport recorded about eight million passenger movements last year, although official figures are still being finalised.
“This year, we will see further announcements of new direct international routes to Penang. These include AirAsia flights from Phuket, as well as Spring Airlines services from Shanghai and Guangzhou,” he told reporters after launching the Nanhai Treasures Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck exhibition at Eco Horizon here.
Wong added that additional international flight announcements, expected later this year, could further boost arrivals from Southeast Asia, India, and China, thereby strengthening Penang’s standing as a leading tourism destination.
He also expressed optimism that tourism growth this year would be reinforced by the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026) campaigns, which are anticipated to bring significant benefits to the state.
“Penang’s strengths lie in its internationally accredited medical facilities and its wide range of tourism offerings. These factors will continue to support economic growth through tourism,” he said.
Separately, Wong said the Home Ministry’s new National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) at Penang International Airport would help streamline entry and exit processes for travellers.
The system, introduced following repeated complaints about long queues at manual immigration counters, aims to reduce congestion and speed up clearance procedures. Wong said NIISe is already operational in the departure hall and is expected to be launched at the arrival hall in the coming weeks, ahead of the Chinese New Year, to ensure smoother travel for passengers.
