China tourists still flocking to Penang despite reduction in flights
Chinese tourist arrivals in Penang remain strong despite a reduction in direct flights caused by rising aviation fuel costs. Tourism officials are optimistic about future growth, particularly during China's upcoming Golden Week holiday.
Why it matters
Tourism is a vital economic driver for regional hubs, and resilience in travel demand despite rising costs indicates a strong post-pandemic recovery.
GEORGE TOWN: Chinese visitors are still heading to the Pearl of the Orient in droves despite a nearly 25% drop in direct flights from China to Penang caused by rising aviation fuel costs.
Weekly services between Penang and eight Chinese cities fell from a record 82 earlier this year to 62 by the end of May after fuel costs crept up following the conflict in the Middle East that began in February, with Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai saying some airlines reduced flight frequencies after fuel prices increased.
The current services link Penang with Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing and Qingdao, with Wong estimating that about 10,000 Chinese tourists arrived in Penang each month on the direct flights.
His estimate was based on 62 weekly flights, each with a capacity of 170 passengers, operating at a load factor of about 50%.
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