PENANG is gearing up for a vibrant year-end tourism season, with a line-up of major international sporting and cultural events throughout November and December expected to attract both local and overseas visitors.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang’s tourism calendar remains one of the most diverse in the country, combining sports, culture, and community celebrations that highlight the state’s multicultural spirit.
“December has always been a golden period for Penang tourism. With the return of international events and new air routes connecting us to major cities, we are confident of a strong surge in visitor arrivals,” he said.
Among the highlights is the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, taking place from Nov 28 to 30 at Straits Quay Retail Marina. A crowd favourite, the event will see teams from around the world competing in a spectacle of speed, skill and teamwork against the scenic coastal backdrop.
Next on the list is the Penang State Christmas Celebration on Dec 6, to be held in front of St. George’s Church in George Town. The annual celebration will feature carolling, music and festival lights, reflecting Penang’s unique blend of cultural diversity and interfaith harmony.
Wong added that runners can look forward to the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Dec 14, which will see thousands of runners from around the world racing across the iconic Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.
Adding to the festive mood are two grand Giant Flag Parades, the first on Dec 20 in George Town, beginning from Padang Brown and ending at Padang Kota Lama, and the second on Dec 27 in Seberang Perai, from Padang MBSP Bagan Luar to Tow Boo Kong Temple in Butterworth.
The traditional flag performance has long been a hallmark of Penang’s cultural identity.
Wong said Penang’s tourism rebound has been remarkable since the reopening of international borders, with strong growth in visitor arrivals recorded over the past year.
In 2024, Penang welcomed 7.47 million passengers, including 3.88 million international visitors. From January to August 2025, nine of the state’s top 10 international markets posted double-digit growth, led by India (146%), China (96%), Australia (22%), Japan (22%) and the United Kingdom (15%).
“Penang continues to strengthen its position as a regional tourism hub.
“We are seeing strong demand from key markets, supported by the expansion of international flight connectivity.” he said.
Since August 2023, Penang has added or resumed direct flights from Xiamen, Dubai, Bangkok, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Doha, Hong Kong, Chennai, Chengdu, Jakarta and Medan, with more routes set to open in the coming months.
Wong said the state has also adopted a two-pronged strategy to attract international visitors through overseas promotion and global media exposure.
He noted that the state government has conducted roadshows in India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore and Japan to promote Penang’s unique mix of heritage, gastronomy and natural beauty.
At the same time, Penang has leveraged film and television collaborations to raise its international profile. The state recently partnered with Hong Kong Express Airways to host the TVB Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2025 shoot in George Town, featuring landmarks such as the City Hall, Clan Jetties, Penang Hill and the Peranakan Mansion.
“Other productions filmed in Penang include Because of Friends, Variety Big Play, Music to You 2, and films such as Lock War and Death Whisper.
“Every time Penang appears on screen, it inspires more people to visit. Visual storytelling has become a powerful tourism driver that strengthens our global brand,” Wong said.
Story by Edmund Lee