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Air

Loong Air debuts its Xi’an-Penang route

Loong Air flew the inaugural flight of its new Xi’an-Penang route into Penang International Airport on Monday 30th December. The new service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays on a 168-seater Airbus A320.  Passengers and crew aboard the flight were warmly welcomed by Tourism Malaysia deputy chair Yeoh Soon Hin, director-general Manoharan Periasamy, and Ding Qiao, China’s vice-consul-general in Penang. Also present for the arrival were officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Loong Air, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Penang’s state government, as well as members of the media.  Yeoh said of this new addition to Loong Air’s global network: “This new route exemplifies Loong Air’s international growth strategy. It also reaffirms Malaysia’s position as a top choice for Chinese tourists, particularly those from northern China.” Improving ties between nations The addition of the Xi’an-Penang route  is aligned with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Likewise, it  underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with China.  In the past year, Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia surged to  over 3 million visitors, marking a 132.7 percent increase from 2023.  Tourism Malaysia attributes this growth to policies such as visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, which has been extended until 31st December 2026, as well as improved air connectivity between the two nations.  The new route is also expected to further elevate visitor numbers and facilitate cultural exchange, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a welcoming and accessible destination for global travellers.

Airlines and Aviation

IndiGo launches daily direct flights from Chennai to Penang

IndiGo, India's preferred airline, today commenced operations on its new exclusive daily direct flight route between Chennai and Penang. Penang marks IndiGo’s 37th international destination and third destination in Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. This new connection caters to the growing demand for travel between Chennai and Penang, offering both business and leisure travelers a convenient and affordable option, while also enhancing cultural ties and boosting economic activities. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said: "We are extremely pleased to further expand our network into Malaysia with the launch of direct flights from Chennai to Penang, our third destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi. With the inclusion of these flights to Penang, IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights to Malaysia from 02 cities in India. The country’s recent visa waiver for Indian citizens is bound to create an even greater demand and easy access for business as well as leisure travellers. We are confident this new route will offer our customers an affordable, timely, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our expansive network.” With direct flights now connecting Chennai and Penang, IndiGo offers travellers a faster, more convenient option, reducing travel time significantly. Chennai also serves as a gateway for travellers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai heading to Penang. Penang, renowned for its vibrant street food scene, stunning beaches, and rich heritage, offers a captivating blend of attractions. From vibrant street art and colonial architecture to lush rainforests and pristine shorelines, Penang has something for every traveller. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis known for its stunning temples, classical dance forms, thriving arts scene, sandy beaches, bustling markets, and delicious South Indian cuisine. Flight schedule: Flt Num Origin Destination Effective Frequency Departure Arrival 6E 1045 Chennai Penang 21-Dec-24 Daily 02:15 08:30 6E 1046 Penang Chennai 21-Dec-24 Daily 09:30 10:35   *Schedule maybe subject to change depending on approvals from regulatory authorities  

Airlines and Aviation

IndiGo starts non-stop flights from Chennai to Penang

IndiGo, India's preferred airline, announces exclusive daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang, starting December 21, 2024. Penang will be IndiGo's third direct destination in Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. This new direct connection from Chennai caters to the growing demand for travel between the two cities, offering both business and leisure travelers a convenient and affordable option. Additionally, IndiGo will also resume operations between Bengaluru and Kuala Lumpur from December 21, 2024. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said: “We are extremely pleased to expand our network into Malaysia even further with the launch of daily, non-stop, flights from Chennai to Penang. IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights from India to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. This expansion underscores IndiGo's commitment to connecting not just major hubs, but also emerging destinations like Langkawi & Penang, offering options for business as well as leisure. IndiGo remains committed to delivering an affordable, timely, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our expansive network.” With direct flights connecting India to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, IndiGo is not only enhancing tourism but also strengthening trade ties between India and Malaysia. India is Malaysia's fifth-largest source market, and these new routes will further boost both economic and cultural exchange. Currently operating multiple flights to Malaysia, IndiGo’s direct service from Chennai to Penang will offer travelers a faster, more convenient option, cutting travel time from 7 hours to just 4. Chennai will also serve as a gateway for travelers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai heading to Penang. Penang is renowned for its tantalizing street food, stunning beaches, and rich heritage. The island offers a captivating mix of attractions, blending vibrant street art and colonial architecture with natural wonders like lush rainforests and pristine shorelines. Whether you're a history enthusiast, adventure seeker, or food lover, Penang offers something unforgettable for every traveler, making it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis with a deep cultural history and vibrant traditions. Known for its stunning temples, classical dance forms, and thriving arts scene, the city blends ancient heritage with modern living. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is also famous for its sandy beaches, bustling markets, and mouthwatering South Indian cuisine, making it a key cultural hub in southern India. Flight schedule: Flight No. Origin Destination Frequency Effective Departure Arrival 6E 1045 Chennai Penang Daily Dec 21, 2024 02:15 08:30 6E 1046 Penang Chennai Daily Dec 21, 2024 09:30 10:35   *Schedule maybe subject to change depending on approvals from regulatory authorities        

Asia

Pan Pacific Hotels Group to operate second hotel in Penang

Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) adds Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL Hotel, to its diverse portfolio in Malaysia which presently consists of hotels, resorts and serviced suites.  PPHG CEO Choe Peng Sum said of the acquisition: “The city-centre Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL Hotel will complement PARKROYAL Penang Resort which is located right at the beach at Batu Ferringhi.” Choe added that both the hotel and resort will benefit from the state's expansion of Penang International Airport which is set to become the country's second largest airport when it opens in 2028. Ten minutes away from a cultural epicentre Located a mere ten minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site George Town, the 368-room hotel stands within the new Gurney Bay lifestyle precinct developed by the Penang State Government as part of its Penang2030 Vision. As such, the Gurney Bay Hotel offers unblocked views of the Penang coastline, George Town and the Penang Hills, presenting guests with a relaxed setting to explore the vibrant locale. Aligned with the PARKROYAL brand's ethos of 'All Things Local,' Gurney Bay Hotel also serves as a gateway to the vibrant culture of Penang as its location enables guests to actively immerse themselves in Penang’s rich cultural heritage.  From Penang's renowned street food to the historic charm of its old town, the hotel invites guests to discover the true essence of this vivacious city. For a better economy Boosting tourism into Malaysia is one of the key reasons behind the acquisition  Choe said: “Tourism continues to play a key role in Malaysia's economy and the country's vision is to bring in 35.6 million visitors with the Visit Malaysia Campaign 20261.”  Choe cited how Penang's economic growth surpassed the country's growth of 8.7 percent at 13.1 percent, with the strong recovery continuing into 2023 recording the highest foreign investments in the country at MYR71.9 billion.  Last year, the state recorded a 64 percent year-on-year increase in passenger movements to 6.9 million at Penang International Airport which accounted for 84 percent of passenger load in 2019.  This year, the state is targeting to receive over 5 million and 7.4 million by 2030.

Air

Malaysia welcomes Shanghai Airlines’ maiden flight to Penang

Shanghai Airlines successfully flew the first flight on its new direct Shanghai-Penang route. This new service connecting Shanghai and the Malaysian city of Penang flies thrice a week using a Boeing 738 aircraft with a capacity of 168 passengers. Passengers aboard the 2 August flight to Penang International Airport from Shanghai were welcomed by Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Yeoh Soon Hin together with representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and Shanghai Airlines. The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute upon its arrival, symbolising the strong ties between the two destinations. A new route to trade and travel expansion The expansion of routes from China resulted from Malaysian minister of tourism, arts, and culture Sri Tiong King Sing’s efforts during his official working visit to the country, which yielded positive outcomes. The new route is expected to significantly enhance tourist traffic and strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, offering more convenient travel options and fostering closer ties between the two nations.  At present, Shanghai Airlines operates seven weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia celebrates the resumption of services between Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

The airline, together with Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak welcomed flight AK5432 from Penang to Kuching with more than 80 per cent load, signifying a promising potential for future growth between these routes. The aircraft was also greeted with a celebratory water salute upon its arrival. Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “We are proud to strengthen our connectivity within Malaysia and at the same time boost our East Malaysian hubs. As a homegrown airline, this route resumption reflects our commitment to expanding connectivity in Malaysia. By reintroducing this route, we aim to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Penang and East Malaysia while further supporting economic growth and tourism development in the country. We look forward to welcoming more guests on board as we continue to expand our domestic network in the future.” Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus said: “This service resumption marks a significant milestone in fostering tourism between Penang and Sarawak. By bolstering connectivity between these routes, we anticipate a substantial positive impact on Sarawak's tourism growth. Leveraging on the diverse travellers from Penang, we aim to showcase Sarawak's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique experiences. This renewed connectivity opens up exciting opportunities to attract more visitors and further enhance Sarawak's position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia.”      

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai expands its network in Southeast Asia with the start of flights to Penang and Langkawi

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, inaugurated its operations to Langkawi and Penang on 10 February. The inaugural flight, which coincided with the auspicious first day of Chinese New Year, touched down at Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and were met with a water cannon salute and a warm welcome by local authorities, becoming the first carrier to serve the two airports with a daily service from Dubai. With the start of flights to Penang and Langkawi, flydubai expands its network in Southeast Asia to four destinations in two countries, including Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, and Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand. Commenting on the start of flights, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our presence grow in Southeast Asia with the addition of Penang and Langkawi to our growing network. flydubai remains committed to opening up underserved markets and with the start of our daily service, we look forward to offering our passengers more opportunities to explore the beautiful region.” The timing of the inaugural flight on the first day of Chinese New Year presents an exciting opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the multicultural festivities and vibrant events leading up to the 15 days of Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang. Through an array of Chinese New Year activities, Penang invites visitors to immerse themselves in the city's dynamic cultural landscape, embracing the essence of the Lunar New Year celebrations. YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), said: “we are thrilled that flydubai has introduced Dubai to Penang and Langkawi, marking the first new direct flight route for our airport this year. We believe this will be another key international route from Penang, and we applaud flydubai’s efforts to make Penang a destination of choice for many regional travellers.” The two new Malaysian destinations offer visitors from the UAE, and across the flydubai network, a blend of heritage, adventure and relaxation. Penang offers the perfect mixture of cultural richness and modern charm. Renowned for its vibrant street art, UNESCO-listed George Town captivates with colonial architecture and diverse cuisine. Meanwhile, Langkawi's pristine beaches and lush landscapes offer a tropical haven for those seeking a beach holiday. flydubai will operate its latest aircraft on these routes which feature lie-flat seats, internationally-inspired menus and hours of immersive entertainment in Business Class and seats designed to optimise space and comfort in Economy Class. Flights to Langkawi will operate via a short stop in Penang, offering passengers from the UAE and across the region convenient travel options to explore these popular destinations. Flight details Starting from 10 February 2024, flights will operate daily from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK). Return Business Class fares from DXB to PEN start from AED 11,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,700. Return Business Class fares from DXB to LGK start from AED 11,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 3,500. Flight Number Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time FZ  1603 DXB PEN 04:10 15:05 FZ  1603 PEN LGK 16:05 16:45 FZ  1604 LGK PEN 19:45 20:45 FZ  1604 PEN DXB 21:45 01:05        

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai launches daily service to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia

 A local fisherman goes out on a boat from boats park to the sea for fishing. Traditional colorful asian fishing boats in fishing village. Langkawi island, Malaysia. flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, announced the launch of a daily service to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. The carrier becomes the first to connect the popular destinations with flights from the UAE and the Middle East. Flights to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) will start from 10 February 2024. Flights to Langkawi will operate via a short stop in Penang, offering passengers from the UAE and the region convenient travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub. Commenting on the launch of flights, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our presence in Southeast Asia grow with the launch of operations to Langkawi and Penang. Flights from the UAE to these popular holiday destinations are vital for tourism and business connectivity. These destinations in Malaysia offer cultural diversity, leisure activities and investment opportunities. Our new flights will be popular for passengers not only from the UAE, but from the GCC and the European markets as well.” With the launch of flights to Langkawi and Penang, flydubai expands its footprint in Southeast Asia to four destinations including its operations to Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand. flydubai will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on the Malaysian routes, featuring lie-flat seats in Business Class and the added comfort and enjoyable travel experience in Economy Class. Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “Malaysia is an extremely important market for flydubai and we are pleased to see these flights become a reality. The daily service will prove popular for our passengers from around the network and will provide passengers from Malaysia with convenient options to travel to Dubai and beyond whether they are travelling for business, leisure or to visit family and friends.”  Kek Lok Si Temple on Penang island, Georgetown, Malaysia Both Langkawi and Penang offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to beach lovers, adventure enthusiasts and foodies alike, making them top picks for tourists exploring Southeast Asia. Langkawi is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and stunning geological formations. Visitors can enjoy activities such as island hopping, cable car rides to the Sky Bridge and exploring the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. The duty-free status of the island also makes it a shopping haven. Penang, often called the "Pearl of the Orient," offers a rich cultural tapestry, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences. Its UNESCO-listed George Town is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant street art and street food. flydubai has recently announced the launch of operations to three new destinations. Its daily service to Cairo commences on 28 October, Poznan, its third destination in Poland, commences on 29 October and Mombasa is scheduled to join its growing network from 17 January 2024.  Tropical beach of Langkawi island, Malaysia Flight details Starting from 10 February 2024, flights will operate daily from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK). Return Business Class fares from DXB to PEN start from AED 11,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,700. Return Business Class fares from DXB to LGK start from AED 11,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 3,500. Flight Number Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time FZ  1603 DXB PEN 04:10 15:05 FZ  1603 PEN LGK 16:05 16:45 FZ  1604 LGK PEN 19:45 20:45 FZ  1604 PEN DXB 21:45 01:05 All Times Local Flights are available to book on flydubai.com, the official flydubai App, the UAE Contact Centre at (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shops or through our travel partners    

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Malaysia to launch new direct route to Penang from Bali on 20 Oct

(From left) Bambang Suharto, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang; YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang state EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy; Liyana Mahizzan, Head of Commercial AirAsia Malaysia; and Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism (PGT) at the launch of AirAsia Denpasar-Penang route today at Komtar, Penang.   Penang is set to welcome more regional tourists this year as AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will be launching a new direct route from Bali (Denpasar) starting on 20 October 2022. The twice-weekly flight will add to AirAsia Malaysia’s vast frequency into Penang with 156 flights weekly. This marks Penang as AirAsia’s second biggest hub in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur with the most international flight frequencies. As a celebration of the announcement, AirAsia will be offering affordable fares between Bali and Penang from RM159 all-in*  (approx.. USD34.98)one way starting today until 16 October 2022 for the travel period between 20 October 2022 and 25 March 2023. The new route was commemorated by Bambang Suharto, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang together with YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE); Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism (PGT); and Liyana Mahizzan, Head of Commercial AirAsia Malaysia at Komtar, Penang. Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: “Today’s announcement is a testament to our commitment to elevate Penang as a preferred tourism destination in the region following the signing of the memorandum of collaboration (MOC) with PGT last August. This is an exciting time to travel and not only will this new direct route offer a seamless journey for our guests, but it will also boost regional inbound tourism and support the local economy in both countries. This is what we do best - empowering local people and community well-being by stimulating air travel and driving tourism. “Penang plays an important role in our growth and as a key player with the biggest market share of 50% as a group, we will continue to expand our services into the state in the future. Moreover, with 92 city pairings via our Fly-Thru service to Penang, we look forward to flying more travellers to the Pearl of the Orient in the future.” YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy said: “We are thrilled that AirAsia is launching a new international direct route connecting the region closer to Penang. As this is the first ever direct route from Bali to Penang, we look forward to leveraging this opportunity to introduce Penang not only to the people in Bali but also to the regional tourists visiting Bali wanting to discover the “7 World Wonders of Penang” which was announced recently. We believe this will be another key international route to Penang and we applaud AirAsia’s continued effort to make Penang a destination of choice for many regional travellers.” AirAsia Malaysia (AK) operates 156 flights weekly via nine routes to Penang from Kuala Lumpur (49x weekly), Johor Bahru (28x weekly), Kota Kinabalu (14x weekly), Kuching (14x weekly), and Langkawi (21x weekly) as well as Singapore (21x weekly), Ho Chi Minh City (4 x weekly), Jakarta (3x weekly) and Bali (2x weekly).    

Global

OTAs raise concern with Penang Govt on short term rental plans

The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and its members submitted recommendations to the Penang State Government (Local Government Division) recently, regarding the proposed Short-Term Rental Accommodation Guidelines for Strata Properties in Penang. This follows a consultation session between ATTIA and Penang officials on 15th September 2022, where we were invited to submit detailed recommendations. With leading online travel platforms such as Airbnb, Agoda, Booking.com and Expedia among its members, ATTIA expressed deep concern over the proposed Guidelines, which would severely restrict the ability of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) hosts to accommodate guests in strata properties in Penang. At a time when Penang is trying to recover its valuable tourism industry, such policies would stifle tourist arrivals, and also send mixed signals about Penang's commitment to attracting tourists and digital nomads. ATTIA's Main Recommendations To ensure that the STRA sector is properly managed, ATTIA recommends that the Penang State Government adopt a robust regulatory approach, which will provide certainty to regulators, industry participants and local communities. Our main recommendations are: (a) Allow building residents to decide if STRA should be banned: The current Guidelines would ban strata STRA unless JMB/MC approval is obtained. We argue that STRA should instead be allowed by default in both commercial and residential properties. Through a 75% vote, residents can already use the Strata Management Act 2013 to pass by-laws on whether STRA should be restricted in specific buildings based on local needs (e.g., set the maximum number of nights a guest can stay). (b) Mandatory Code of Conduct: Instead of imposing strict restrictions on STRA in strata properties, introduce clear rules for hosts and guests with a Code of Conduct. This could set minimum standards for host and guest behavior to tackle noise and nuisance. (c) Digital registration system for hosts: A centralized digital registration system could be introduced to make registration (and renewals) clear and simple for new hosts. By following these best practices, Penang could offer a STRA system which is on par with international standards. This will make it even more attractive and competitive to tourists and digital nomads - especially when Malaysia is trying to attract such travelers (e.g., with the DE Rantau program). ATTIA's Alternative RecommendationsHowever, if the above recommendations are not possible, ATTIA at the very least asks that the Penang State Government consider these alternative recommendations: (a) Not impose the 3-day a week limit for strata STRA: We especially oppose this arbitrary limit. Since STRA guests usually make longer bookings and spend more money within local communities, these limits would cause Penang to miss out on the digital nomad and sustainable travel wave. Moreover, it seems nearly impossible to properly enforce 'night limits', given the number of STRA transactions taking place. (b) Allow STRA to operate by default: By imposing a blanket ban on strata STRA, this would only increase the administrative burden for hosts as well as local authorities. This is especially since the proposed processes include manual documentation, and would force hosts to endure lengthy JMB/MC voting and verification processes. (c) Remove requirement which only allows Malaysian citizens to host: We believe that every homeowner has unique experiences to share with visitors to Penang. The requirement would exclude regular, tax-paying residents in Malaysia that are not citizens from sharing their homes. It would also be difficult to fully enforce this policy, as non-citizens or permanent residents could simply find a proxy to register on their behalf. Ultimately, the majority of STRA hosts are individuals - not companies. These barriers would make it very difficult for genuine hosts to comply. Instead of shutting out tourism, it is better to address concerns such as noise and nuisance by working more closely with STRA platforms to tackle the root causes.    

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Doubletree Hilton Penang

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia Malaysia

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Angsana Teluk Bahang Penang

The Angsana Teluk Bahang, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia Malaysia

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