PENANG is seeking to strengthen tourism cooperation with Singapore by enhancing cruise and air connectivity, expanding international partnerships and promoting the state’s tourism offerings to overseas markets.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai recently visited Singapore to engage with industry stakeholders during the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) Asia.
The visit aimed to reinforce Singapore’s position as one of Penang’s key international tourism source markets.
Singapore is currently Penang’s third-largest international tourism source market and its leading cruise tourism source market, supported by 98 scheduled direct flights per week between Singapore and Penang operated by AirAsia (32), Scoot (31) and Singapore Airlines (35).
“From January to August 2026, Swettenham Pier welcomed 67,391 Singaporean visitors, an increase of 8,408 visitors, or 14.25%, compared with 58,983 during the same period in 2025. These figures reflect the strong appeal of Penang among Singapore’s cruise travellers and underscore the potential to further expand cruise tourism cooperation between our two destinations,” he said.
Wong further noted that Penang is scheduled to welcome Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, on its maiden call to the state tomorrow (Oct 30). The vessel is expected to dock at 2.30pm.
Wong, who met with cruise operators while in Singapore, said Penang would continue working with them to attract more cruise calls and expand its international cruise visitor market.
“Penang will continue to strengthen collaboration with cruise operators and actively seek additional cruise calls to expand our international cruise visitor market.
“We also aim to develop Penang as a ‘partial homeport’, complementing Singapore’s established cruise homeport network through a mutually beneficial partnership,” he said.
ITB Asia, a major travel trade event bringing together tourism professionals and businesses from 132 countries, also provided a platform for Penang’s tourism industry players to establish partnerships, explore business opportunities and promote their products.
Wong said participation in the event enabled local tourism industry representatives to connect directly with international buyers and explore opportunities in regional and global markets.
“The participation of Penang’s tourism industry players enables them to connect directly with international buyers and industry representatives, explore potential partnerships and expand their business networks across regional and international markets, helping enhance Penang’s visibility and competitiveness in the global tourism industry,” he said.
He added that stronger regional cooperation, improved tourism facilities and more enriching shore excursions could help maximise the economic benefits of cruise tourism for Penang.
Others in the Penang delegation included Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Pix courtesy of the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Petace)