TOURISM Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin warmly welcomed cruise passengers from the Seven Seas Navigator at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal today.
The event was part of Tourism Malaysia’s simultaneous welcoming ceremonies at 55 key entry points nationwide to mark Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
For 2026, Yeoh said Penang aims to welcome nearly 1 million cruise passengers and expects some 170 international cruise calls.
He noted that last year, Penang received around 700,000 cruise passengers, with 120 international cruise liners docking at the port.
“Our goal is to position Penang as a leading hub for cruise tourism in the region,” he added, expressing hope that the state will achieve its target of 170 cruise ships this year.
Yeoh also announced that to further strengthen the sector, Tourism Malaysia will expand the existing Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC) this year to include cruise tourism.
“The RM50 million incentive scheme, which includes flights, will be offered to cruise operators and travel agents to encourage the introduction of more cruise routes to Malaysia,” he said.
The programme was also held at Penang International Airport (PIA), with Yeoh in attendance. Another entry point for the initiative was at KTMB Butterworth.
According to Yeoh, the initiative aims to increase public awareness of tourism-related programmes, enhance nationwide and international publicity, and encourage greater collaboration among stakeholders in developing the tourism sector.
Random clicks of the Seven Seas Navigator cruiseliner :-
Meanwhile, Yeoh shared that gastronomy tourism remains a key attraction for Penang with promotional efforts to be intensified through digital platforms, including social media and video campaigns, as well as collaborations with key opinion leaders (KOLs), food festivals and culinary competitions.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation in presenting traditional cuisine in more creative and contemporary ways while preserving its authentic flavours, in order to further enhance Penang’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination.
The luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Navigator arrived at Swettenham Pier, today at 7am , carrying 557 passengers.
It remained in Georgetown until 5pm before continuing its 84-day one-way voyage from Barcelona to Sydney. The ships’ immediate itinerary include Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2-3) and Malacca (Jan 4).
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter