Penang, 20 Sep 2024 – To further promote Penang’s tourism industry and strengthen tourism collaboration between Penang and Chongqing （China), Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, led a delegation of Penang tourism industry representatives to Chongqing for a multi-day promotional roadshow.
Wong Hon Wai stated, “This roadshow marked a significant step in deepening tourism cooperation between Penang and Chongqing. As a major tourism hub in Southwestern China, the launch of the chartered direct flights between Chongqing and Penang, operated by Firefly Airlines since 23 July 2024, has greatly facilitated travel between the two destinations. The Boeing 737 aircraft offers three flights per week between Penang and Chongqing. We hoped that this roadshow would attract more tourists from Chongqing and its surrounding areas to Penang, where they could experience the unique blend of historical heritage and modern technology.”
Wong Hon Wai pointed out, “Chongqing, with its vast population and strong potential tourist base, presented an excellent opportunity for Penang’s tourism industry. According to statistics, Chongqing spans an area of 82,400 square kilometers and is home to a population of 34 million, making it one of China’s megacities. Therefore, following the launch of the direct flights between Chongqing and Penang, we needed to lead a delegation to promote Penang in Chongqing, raise brand awareness of ‘Penang’ in this market, and expand Penang’s tourism market share in Chongqing.”
The highlight of this promotional trip was the “Penang Global Tourism Roadshow in Chongqing,”. The roadshow gathered over 100 Chongqing-based tourism professionals and media representatives. During the roadshow, Wong Hon Wai provided a comprehensive introduction to Penang’s diverse tourism offerings, including George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang Hill, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well as pristine beaches, famous street food, and a wealth of natural attractions.
Wong Hon Wai added, “This roadshow created a platform for Penang tourism industry players to establish deeper partnerships with local travel agencies, airlines, and other tourism stakeholders in Chongqing, enhancing Penang’s tourism presence in the region. Additionally, leveraging local media in Chongqing helped comprehensively promote Penang, attracting more attention to our beautiful island.”
To further enhance Penang’s promotion, participants in the roadshow included key Penang tourism industry representatives such as Penang Global Tourism (PGT), the Penang Wedding Professionals Association (PWPA), renowned hotels as well as travel agencies, and other Penang Tourism stakeholders. These tourism leaders showcased Penang’s rich tourism resources and excellent services during the B2B (business-to-business) session, exploring potential collaborations with Chongqing’s tourism industry.
Notably, prominent medical institutions were also part of the delegation, contributing to the promotion of Penang’s medical tourism. Penang’s medical tourism has seen robust growth in recent years, attracting international visitors with its high-quality healthcare services, advanced facilities, affordable medical costs, and comfortable environment. Penang’s multilingual capabilities, especially in English and Mandarin, further enhanced the convenience for international medical tourists. Promoting Penang’s medical tourism in Chongqing was crucial for tapping into its vast market potential.
Wong Hon Wai also highlighted, “From January to August 2024, Penang witnessed a remarkable surge in Chinese tourist arrivals. The number of Chinese tourists entering Penang by air reached 74,891, a remarkable 247.9% increase compared to 21,529 during the same period in 2023. Considering the large number of tourists who enter Penang via connecting flights through Kuala Lumpur or by land, the actual number of tourists visiting Penang could far exceed this figure. This impressive growth underscores Penang’s allure among Chinese travelers and emphasizes the need for enhanced tourism collaboration between Penang and China. By strategically cultivating Chongqing as a key tourism market, Penang can tap into the vast potential of Southwestern China, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for Chinese visitors”.
As of now, Penang has established direct flight connections to 7 cities in China, including Xiamen (Xiamen Airlines), Guangzhou (China Southern Airlines), Shenzhen (Shenzhen Airlines and upcoming AirAsia in October), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and upcoming HK Express Airways in November), Shanghai (Juneyao Airlines and Shanghai Airlines), Haikou (Batik Air charters), and Chongqing (Firefly Airlines charters). The Penang State Government’s unwavering commitment to the Chinese market has driven the expansion of air connectivity and active participation in tourism promotional events. This strategic approach aims to attract a larger influx of Chinese tourists, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
In addition to the roadshow, the Penang delegation visited the Chongqing Tourism Bureau to engage in discussions with local government officials and explore future cooperation opportunities.
Wong Hon Wai emphasized, “2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, which added significance to our bilateral cooperation. The partnership between Penang and Chongqing extended beyond tourism and could encompass cultural, economic, and other areas of collaboration. We look forward to strengthening the bond friendship and cooperation between the two regions through this visit.”
