OPENING CEREMONY MATTA FAIR PENANG 2024
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
OPENING CEREMONY MATTA FAIR PENANG 2024
27 APRIL 2024 (SATURDAY) | 10.30AM
SETIA SPICE, PENANG
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning to you all,
I am thrilled to witness the resounding success of the MATTA Fair Penang 2024, which has garnered overwhelming support from stakeholders in the tour and travel industry.
This year's fair boasts an impressive lineup of over 300 booths, showcasing the diverse offerings of our tourism sector. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organizing committee, under the capable leadership of Ms. Carolyn Leong, for their commendable efforts in attracting a multitude of participants, including travel agents, hotels, theme parks, airlines, cruise industry representatives, and both local and foreign tourism bodies.
The influx of tourists is integral to our economy, providing employment opportunities, business ventures, and bolstering our overall economic growth. MATTA has played a pivotal role in promoting our country, particularly Penang, as a premier tourism destination.
I am pleased to announce the maiden voyage of two prestigious cruise liners, Costa Deliziosa and Serenade of the Seas, each capable of accommodating up to 2,500 passengers. This significant milestone underscores the strategic importance of Penang's Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal and the allure of Penang as a tourism hub for Malaysia.
Penang's accessibility continues to expand, with direct flights from 15 international cities, including Quangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Acheh, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, Haikou, and the latest addition, Shanghai, set to commence flights in May. Additionally, Penang boasts 8 domestic flight routes, with 17 airlines operating direct flights, including MAS, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Starlux, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Juneyao Airlines, among others. As a result, the airport has recently recorded a 5 percent increase in passengers movement (From 313,000 to 328,000) in the last month.
Penang's status as the aviation hub for the northern region is further reinforced by the recent announcement of airport expansion, promising even more direct flights in the future, with steadfast support from the Penang State Government.
Moreover, Penang's allure extends beyond air travel, with the addition of new international hotels such as the recently inaugurated Marriott Hotel at Gurney Drive, Ascott, The George, and many more.
As we anticipate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, we envisage a profound impact on the tourism sector in Penang, with an increase in direct flights operated by Chinese airlines. Therefore, further enhancing connectivity between Penang and the globe.
In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to MATTA Penang for their unwavering dedication in promoting local tourism. Penang remains a beloved destination for sightseeing, culinary delights, and recreation, and I wish all participants a successful outing and prosperous sales at the MATTA Fair Penang.
Thank you.