CHINESE tourists have acquired a taste for Penang's seafood and warm weather besides the popular street food, culture and affordable accommodation.
This was revealed by the Chongqing Wen Hua Tourism Group board chairman Tu Ming here, today.
Speaking after signing a memorandum of understanding with two other China counterparts to provide travel services to inbound China tourists, Tu said that as China also has a winter climate, trips to warmer temperate areas are welcomed.
With Penang offering sunny weather all - year around, it is an added advantage.
"China tourists feel comfortable in Penang - the delectable cuisine, friendly local townsfolk and culture rhymes well with the cravings of our nationals," Yu said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Penang executive councillor for tourism, Wong Hon Wai at the Eastin Hotel.
Yu said that the Michelin star ratings for food are another boon to lure tourists from China over.
He also cited the hotel rates here as affordable by the standards of China tourists.
There is over a 200% increase in inbound China tourists in Penang in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
With increased direct flights and other air connectivity, Yu said that more tourists can be expected to come from Chongqing.
Chongqing is located in the central mountainous region municipality in China and the subdistrict has a population of 34 million - more than Malaysia, said Wong.
Wong said that while tourism is now booming, the state is trying to cement more air links to the state.
He expects Chinese tourists to be among the top in the list of foreign inbound travellers when statistics are compiled.
There are now direct charter flights between Chongqing and Penang - operated by the budget carrier - Firefly Airliner, which uses the Boeing 737 wide-bodied aircrafts. - October 28, 2024.
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