GEORGE TOWN: A new Penang-Batam route from this Sunday (Oct 18) will make it the island's fifth direct link to Indonesia.
The service offered by Batik Air will be a vital bridge between Penang and the Riau Islands, a largely untapped tourist market, said state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai after leading a roadshow to Batam.
"We held the roadshow to showcase Penang’s diverse tourism offerings to the local travel trade and pave the way for closer tourism cooperation between the two destinations,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 12).
Wong said the roadshow themed “Not the Penang That You Know” was to showcase the state’s attractions and distinctive experiences to Indonesian travel agencies and tour intermediaries.
“By helping them better understand what Penang has to offer, we hope they can develop travel packages tailored to the preferences and needs of local travellers.
"This targeted approach will help translate the convenience of direct flights into tangible demand for travel to Penang from Batam and the wider Riau Islands,” he said.
The new route will add to Penang’s current direct links with Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh and Medan.
"This will further expand Penang’s air connectivity across Indonesia.
"Penang’s direct air links now extend across key markets in Sumatra, Java and the Riau Islands," he said.
Wong said that while the Penang government continues to pursue new international markets, it is equally important to strengthen established source markets.
“Indonesia has long been one of Penang’s important international visitor markets.
"Our geographical proximity, convenient transport links and longstanding tourism and economic ties provide a strong basis for further cooperation," he said.
