| Penang goes large

PENANG, Malaysia will pivot to attract high-value cruise tourism, including promoting more time spent on land and increasing the level of spending, instead of just focusing on arrival numbers.

State Tourism & Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai revealed Penang will double down on strategic collaboration with cruise operators to maximise economic benefit to the state, with an emphasis on the destination’s gastronomy.

The efforts include engagement sessions, facilitation of application processes, and the promotion of Penang as a key port of call in the region, with the govt to also encourage cruise lines to utilise local services such as licensed tour guides, local transport providers, food operators, and small traders.

Wong said that while specific spending targets are yet to be set, the focus will be on drawing in large-scale cruise ships and middle- to high-income passengers.