Penang Needs More Hotel Rooms to Accommodate Expected Increase in Tourists
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang International Airport (PIA) recorded 6.18 million arrivals from January to October, marking a 7.46% increase compared with last year. This significant growth in tourist arrivals has prompted Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to emphasize the need for more hotel rooms to accommodate the expected increase in tourists next year.
Visa Exemptions Boost Tourism
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government is encouraged by the visa exemptions granted to visitors from the two major tourist markets, India and China. "We anticipate an increase in tourists from these countries from next year," he said.
International Flight Routes
Separately, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai revealed that Penang is currently connected by 35 international direct flight routes operated by major airlines. These flights link George Town to 19 global destinations such as Shanghai, Dubai, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Chennai. Wong also announced the launch of Loong Air’s direct flight from Xi’an to Penang from December 30, which will mark PIA’s 36th international flight route.
More Hotel Rooms Needed
According to Chow, Penang needs more hotel rooms to facilitate the expected increase in tourists as the state’s tourism and hospitality industries have fully recovered from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that the state still lacks hotel rooms, notably during big events and festive seasons. "We currently have about 12,000 rooms in the state, but we still need more rooms – especially in Seberang Perai," he said.
The chief minister added that the Penang Development Corporation has plans in the pipeline to offer hotel accommodations. However, he also expressed hope that the private sector would invest in the state’s hospitality sector, motivated by attractive figures, numerous infrastructure projects, appealing tourist destinations, and "the best food in the world."
Hotel Owners Must Consider Occupancies during Low-Peak Periods
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president Khoo Boo Lim said that while the association welcomes the development of properties in the tourism industry, hotel owners must also consider occupancies during low-peak periods and not only peak periods. "What we need to do is to fill the rooms during the off-peak periods and not rely on peak periods only," he said.
Monitoring Short-Term Rental Accommodations and Unlicensed Hotels
He added that the state government also needs to continue monitoring short-term-rental-accommodations (STRA) and unlicensed hotels.
Conclusion
The increase in tourist arrivals in Penang is a positive sign for the state’s tourism and hospitality industries. However, it is crucial that the state government and private sector work together to provide more hotel rooms to accommodate the expected influx of tourists. This will not only benefit the tourism industry but also create more job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current number of hotel rooms in Penang?
A: There are approximately 12,000 hotel rooms in the state.
Q: What are the major tourist markets that have been granted visa exemptions?
A: India and China.
Q: How many international direct flight routes does Penang have?
A: Penang has 35 international direct flight routes operated by major airlines.
Q: What is the expected increase in tourists from India and China?
A: The state government anticipates an increase in tourists from these countries from next year.