Chinese Tourists Flock to Penang as Restrictions Ease

The ongoing visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to Malaysia has led to a significant increase in Chinese arrivals in the Malaysian state of Penang. Combined with improved air connectivity between Chinese cities and Penang, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Penang has seen a remarkable surge.

Last year, Penang International Airport recorded 120,245 Chinese tourist arrivals, the highest annual figure to date. This surpassed the pre-pandemic total of 66,854 arrivals from China in 2019, showcasing Penang’s strong recovery and growing appeal.

Penang offers a diverse range of attractions, including its capital George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning beaches, and natural attractions. The state is also renowned for its street food and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Penang continually rejuvenates itself with new attractions, ensuring something fresh for repeat visitors to discover. Recent additions include Ferringhi Bay and the world’s first biofluorescent garden, Biofluorescent Odyssey in Entopia Penang. New attractions set to open this year include the Penang History Museum and the Penang River Cruise.

To further capitalize on the strength of the destination, Penang Global Tourism is working to promote medical tourism and education tourism niches to the Chinese market. Medical treatments in Penang are significantly more affordable compared to similar treatments in China. The state has internationally accredited hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by professionals fluent in Chinese dialects.

Education tourism is another niche that has gained traction among the Chinese, with students visiting Penang for short English courses or school trips, and corporations sending employees for basic English training. The combination of high-quality education, affordable living costs, and rich cultural experiences makes Penang an attractive choice for these programs.

With 50 weekly flights between Chinese cities and Penang, China leads as Penang’s top medium-haul source market. Arrivals are expected to continue to grow through 2025 and 2026, bolstered by federal and state government efforts to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign in China.