Tuesday, January 21, 2025 In December 2023, Malaysia introduced a visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, a move that has sparked significant growth in Chinese arrivals to the country, especially to the state of Penang. The surge in visitors has been further supported by the gradual improvement of air connectivity between Chinese cities and Penang, making the region increasingly accessible. As a result, Penang International Airport (PIA) saw a remarkable increase in the number of Chinese tourists, reaching a total of 120,245 arrivals in 2024.
This figure marked a considerable increase from the pre-pandemic level of 66,854 visitors in 2019, signaling Penang’s impressive recovery from the global travel disruptions of the past few years. A Rising Trend in Air Connectivity and Travel Numbers The number of weekly flights between Chinese cities and Penang now stands at 50, making China the dominant source market for medium-haul international visitors to Penang. With this growth trajectory, the number of arrivals is expected to continue rising through 2025 and into 2026.
This positive outlook is further reinforced by ongoing initiatives by both the federal and state governments to promote Malaysia, particularly Penang, as a destination for Chinese travelers under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. As more Chinese visitors flock to Penang, the tourism industry is witnessing a transformation that is expected to shape the region’s tourism landscape for years to come. With greater acce.
