Penang is consolidating its status as an expanding regional travel hub, with Penang International Airport (LTAPP) handling nearly two million passenger movements in the first quarter of the year. This represents a 69.55 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that over the same period, international passenger numbers grew by more than 80 per cent, while domestic figures increased by over 57 per cent.
“Flight frequencies are also rising 20.53 per cent for international flights and 30.28 per cent for domestic routes. Visitor arrivals from international markets have shown strong growth, with China recording a 102.47 per cent increase.
Meanwhile, arrivals from India recorded a 108.73 per cent rise, while arrivals from Japan increased by 24.7 per cent, followed by the United States at 17.35 per cent and the United Kingdom at 15.82 per cent,” he said at the opening of the Matta Fair Penang 2025 at Setia SPICE Arena, Bayan Lepas.
Wong also highlighted that, over the past 18 months, Penang has made significant progress in boosting international air connectivity with the addition of 14 new direct international flight routes.
“Direct flights reduce travel time, lower costs, and attract more international visitors. Our hotels are seeing higher occupancy, our food and retail industries are busier, and the overall energy in the city reflects this growth. These are signs of a healthy, active tourism economy,” he added.
Referring to Matta Fair Penang 2025, Wong noted that a significant new feature this year is the introduction of the Domestic Tourism Zone, a first for Penang’s edition of the fair. He described the initiative as an important means to help more Malaysians explore the country’s attractions and emphasised the strong potential of domestic tourism, stating the new zone gives it the prominence it merits.
The two-day Matta Fair Penang 2025 commenced today, featuring 258 booths from 90 organisations across different sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Participants include 60 tour and travel agencies, one national tourist office, four state government tourist offices, 11 hotels and resorts, one theme park, and one airline.
