Malaysia touts Penang’s potential as cruise tourism hub
Malaysia is eyeing cruise tourism as a main driver to boost national economic growth through the tourism sector.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook says the cruise industry has big potential and the island of Penang can be a major cruise hub.
“We want cruise tourism to directly benefit local communities, whether through cultural tours, port services, local food, handicrafts, or heritage experiences,” he said at CruiseWorld Malaysia 2025.
He stated that it is not only about attracting tourists to the country but also giving visitors a chance to experience Malaysia.
“Each cruise ship arrival contributes to tourism revenue and also provides opportunities for cultural exchange and economic activities,” he said.
“Malaysia should be seen as a place to begin and end voyages, and foster long-term cooperation.”
“Penang can play a role in becoming a home port too,“ he added.
“Penang receives between 100 and 200 cruise ships annually, sometimes two or three in a single day. We want Penang Port to enhance its terminal capacity and become a key home port in the region.”
Loke noted that Penang should target securing more air connectivity for fly cruise guests from overseas.
“Strategic collaboration between airports and ports is crucial so tourists can fly straight to Penang, and embark on a cruise.”
Related News Stories: DidaTravel - TravelMole Partner News - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt