GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s tourism scene received a timely lift with the arrival of the Discovery Princess, whose maiden call at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) injected an estimated RM1.6mil into the local economy.
The luxury liner, operated by Princess Cruises, brought 3,837 passengers and crew to the island, reaffirming Penang’s position as one of the region’s most attractive ports of call.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) said the visit not only reflected the growing confidence of international cruise operators in Penang’s tourism appeal, but also signalled the steady recovery of the state’s maritime and tourism sectors.
Using a conservative estimate of US$100 (about RM418) in direct spending per person, the single-day stopover generated roughly US$383,700 or RM1.6 million in local expenditure.
“This translates into real benefits for Penang’s economy from taxi drivers and local tour guides to small traders, stall owners, hoteliers and artisans who cater to visiting tourists,” PPSB said in a statement.
It said Penang Port remains committed to positioning Penang as a “welcoming, competitive and sustainable” cruise destination.
“We will continue working closely with federal and state tourism agencies, cruise lines, ground handlers and local SMEs to enhance onshore experiences, streamline passenger processing and upgrade terminal facilities,” it added.
“These initiatives are part of our long-term effort to improve visitor satisfaction, encourage longer stays and ensure the economic benefits of cruise tourism are felt across communities.”
The company also thanked its partners and the people of Penang for their warm hospitality, which has consistently earned praise from cruise operators and international travellers.
The Discovery Princess’s arrival comes as Penang continues to see a steady rebound in cruise calls following the pandemic, with SPCT emerging as one of the busiest cruise terminals in the region.
With more liners expected to include Penang in their upcoming itineraries, industry players say the island is poised to strengthen its standing as a key gateway for cruise tourism in Southeast Asia.
