Xiamen-Penang Route Injects RM100 Mln Into Penang's Economy- Exco

GEORGE TOWN, March 26 (Bernama) -- Since its launch on Sept 28, 2023, the direct Xiamen–Penang route operated by Xiamen Airlines has carried 220,000 passengers as of March this year.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the airline flew 1,526 round-trip flights during this period, achieving an average load factor of 85 per cent, demonstrating strong and consistent travel demand from Xiamen, Fujian, to Penang.

He highlighted that the route has injected over RM100 million into Penang’s economy, providing tangible benefits to sectors such as hospitality, transportation, food and beverage, services, and retail.

“Xiamen and Penang share deep-rooted ties and a longstanding friendship. George Town and Xiamen have been sister cities for over 30 years and maintain close links in terms of historical heritage, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions,” he said in a statement today.

Wong is currently leading a Penang government delegation to China, representing the state’s tourism industry, including a tourism promotion roadshow in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

Wong noted that China continues to be a key tourism market for Penang, with Xiamen serving as an important gateway. He highlighted that air connectivity between the two cities has become increasingly frequent, convenient, and efficient amid the ongoing tourism recovery.

He added that since the route’s launch, flight frequency has expanded from three times a week to daily operations, offering travellers greater flexibility and ease of travel.

“The direct route not only attracts passengers from Xiamen but also serves travellers from surrounding cities such as Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, as well as across Fujian Province,” he said.

He said the Penang state government will continue collaborating closely with Xiamen Airlines to further strengthen cultural and tourism ties between the two destinations.

In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, Wong noted that Penang Global Tourism (PGT) has unveiled a new promotional video at the roadshow, titled In Love With Penang, with the tagline “Heartfelt Moments Begin Now.”

The campaign aims to position Penang not only as a premier destination for heritage and gastronomy but also to highlight emerging sectors such as medical tourism, cruise tourism, wedding tourism, and educational tourism.

-- BERNAMA