GEORGE TOWN – Penang International Airport (PIA) recorded a robust rise in international arrivals between January and September, driven primarily by visitors from Indonesia and China.
Latest figures from the Immigration Department showed Indonesia remained Penang’s largest source of foreign arrivals, with 284,364 visitors in 2025, a 12.3 per cent increase from 2023. China registered the most notable turnaround, surging from 26,056 arrivals in 2023 to 161,599 this year, a jump of more than 520 per cent.
India continued its upward momentum as one of Penang’s fastest-expanding markets, with arrivals rising from 5,501 in 2023 to 18,984 in 2025.
Tourist numbers from Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan also recorded solid double-digit growth, underscoring Penang’s strengthening global appeal. Singapore was the only major market to post a decline, falling 12.2 per cent.
Penang Global Tourism (PGT) sees strong potential in further developing markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Korea and Japan, fuelled by Penang’s reputation for beaches, hawker fare, cultural heritage, healthcare services, nightlife and its growing profile as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.
PGT chief executive Wong said efforts to tap into the West Asian market have been intensified through partnerships with airlines and travel agencies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman. PGT also took part in key international exhibitions, including the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, to showcase Penang’s diverse tourism products.
In the past two years, Qatar Airways and Flydubai have launched flights connecting Penang to Doha and Dubai, strengthening accessibility for travellers from the region. Digital campaigns tailored to West Asian audiences have also been expanded, highlighting Muslim-friendly accommodation, halal food options, family-oriented facilities, healthcare services and luxury offerings. Promotional materials are translated into Arabic and disseminated across social media platforms and tourism portals.
Penang is also boosting its position in the health tourism sector, promoting internationally accredited hospitals and specialised screening packages through strategic airline collaborations aimed at attracting more visitors from across Asia.
