GEORGE TOWN: Penang is looking to welcome more travellers from China to provide the tourism industry with a further boost during this Labour Day Golden Week from May 1 to 5, following the upward momentum recorded from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit from April 15 to 17.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said with the new 90-day Malaysia-China Mutual Visa Exemption Policy, Penang is seeing it as a new opportunity for tourism growth, as both governments are working on finalising the implementation of the new policy.
“This policy is undoubtedly a significant boost for Malaysia-China bilateral relations, particularly in tourism, trade and cultural exchanges.
“Once this new policy is implemented, Chinese tourists will be able to enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days.
“This is not only a major incentive for increased Chinese tourist arrivals in Penang but also opens up exciting prospects for promoting long-stay tourism, especially for winter escapes.
“Regions in northeast China, such as Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, experience harsh, snowy winters.
“In contrast, Penang enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it an attractive destination.
“This climate contrast presents a unique opportunity to tap into new tourism segments from high- potential markets in northeast China,” he said.
Wong said Penang currently has direct air links with various parts of China, including the east, south, northwest and southwest.
“Moving forward, a key strategy would be to enhance air connectivity with northeast China by establishing direct flight routes.
“This will attract winter tourists to Penang and promote the flow of people, goods and business opportunities.
“It would inject new momentum into bilateral tourism and economic cooperation,” he said.
Wong said the extended visa-free period will also benefit business travel and meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) tourism.
“Business groups, incentive travel and international conference participants often require years of planning.
“The five-year visa exemption, with potential for renewal, provides much-needed stability.
“Such an arrangement creates favourable conditions for planners to include Penang in their long-term event strategies, especially for large-scale conferences and exhibitions that have long lead times, high budgets and a broad impact.
“The visa extension will significantly enhance Penang’s competitiveness in the MICE sector,” he said.
Wong added that Penang recognises the importance of the Chinese tourist market and has always prioritised the expansion of direct flight routes to Chinese cities.
“Since August 2023, Penang has launched eight new direct routes to major Chinese cities, significantly enhancing our air connectivity.
“Currently, Penang has direct flights to Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Chongqing and Hong Kong, and will soon welcome the inaugural Chengdu route by the end of April,” he said.
