This article was published in TheSun on 19 August 2024.
Tourism and Creative Economy executive councillor Wong Hon Wai said that there is great tourism potential in China’s Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong. He also said that Penang should explore and expand its market share due to the Greater Bay Area’s large population of 86 million people, and economic strength. “Hong Kong alone has a population of 7.5 million people,” he said.
“We warmly welcome more tourists, business professionals, and students from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to Penang, a unique city that blends East and West, tradition and modernity,” Wong said in a statement on August 14.
He said that the Greater Bay Area encompassing Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao, share deep linguistic and cultural ties with Penang. He also highlighted that the Penang populace was generally proficient in multiple languages and dialects which would ease communication challenges.
“Those who love cultural heritage, natural ecology and Southeast Asian cuisine will find a variety of experiences in Penang,” he said, adding that Penang offers a fusion of diverse cultures, and historical charm along with modern development.
Wong emphasised that Penang is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Penang Hill, along with its Botanical Gardens and Teluk Bahang. “With the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Penang by HK Express Airways, the increased frequency of flights will make it more convenient for Hong Kong tourists to visit Penang,” he said.
Meanwhile, HK Express Airways officially launched its ticket sales for direct flights between Hong Kong and Penang on August 14. Wong said that the flight, with flight number UO748, would depart from Hong Kong International Airport at 8.10 pm on November 21 and arrive at the Penang International Airport at 12.10 am local time.
The return flight from Penang to Hong Kong, bearing flight number UO749, will depart at 12.45 am local time and arrive in Hong Kong at 4.40 am, and will operate daily.
“This daily direct flight will further enhance Penang’s
accessibility and connectivity with Hong Kong, providing more opportunities for
tourism and economic collaboration between the two cities,” said Wong. He added
that with this additional flight route, Penang’s international flight network increases
to 32 routes in total.
Wong also said there are currently two direct flight routes between Hong Kong and Penang. “Cathay Pacific offers a daily service with seven weekly flights, and AirAsia operates three weekly flights.
"Besides the Hong Kong-Penang direct flight route, Penang also has direct flights from Guangzhou operated by China Southern Airlines and from Shenzhen by Shenzhen Airlines,” he said.
To date, Penang has 31 international direct flight routes operated by various airlines, connecting 17 international cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, including chartered flights from Haikou and Chongqing.
“I believe Penang will attract more visitors from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area,” he said. He also said that this would further enhance Penang's reputation in China and solidify its position as a popular travel destination for Chinese tourists.
Wong said that he will continue to strengthen cooperation with airlines, continuously optimising the flight network to provide tourists with more convenient and comfortable travel experiences.
The number of international tourists arriving in Penang by air reached 913,126 in the first half of 2024. “This is a marked increase of 25.78% compared to the 725,956 visitors during the same period in 2023,” said Wong.
“The number of Chinese tourists flying directly to Penang also surged by 244.21%—44,847 visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to 13,029 visitors in the first half of 2023.” Wong also noted that some tourists enter Penang via connecting flights through Kuala Lumpur or by land and said that the actual number of tourists visiting Penang could far exceed the official figures.
“With the new direct flight route launched by HK Express
Airways, we look forward to welcoming even more international tourists, further
boosting Penang's tourism and economic development,” he added.