Penang Records 53.12 Pct Increase In Cruise Ship Passengers

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Penang Port, through the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), recorded a 52.12 per cent increase in the number of passengers from January to September this year, with 569,173 people compared to 374,171 people during the same period last year.

Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the increase was driven by growth in international passengers, reaching 431,793 compared to 342,771 in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the number of daily local passengers increased significantly to 137,362 compared to only 31,400 people.

"Additionally, the number of ship calls at SPCT increased to 538 ships compared to 134 ships during the same period last year, reflecting the continued confidence of the international shipping industry in Penang as a preferred destination," he said in a statement today.

He also said that the presence of more cruise ships brings positive economic spillovers to various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, food and beverage, as well as local enterprises, thereby strengthening the SPCT's role as the main catalyst for the development of the country's maritime tourism and the northern region.

In this regard, Yeoh, who is also Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman, hopes that this growth momentum can be maintained through close cooperation involving port authorities, state governments, tourism agencies and industry players.

With the strategic position of Penang Island, port facilities and unique cultural heritage, he said Penang Island has great potential to continue emerging as a world-class cruise destination.

-- BERNAMA