Penang Global Tourism and HK Express to sign a MOU for the promotion of Penang
Penang Global Tourism (PGT), the agency promoting Malaysia’s northwestern island of Penang, and HK Express have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening tourism and air connectivity between Penang and Hong Kong.
The agreement, inked at HK Express headquarters in Hong Kong on October 27, marks a major step in enhancing bilateral cooperation and visitor exchange between the two destinations. The signature took place a day after HK Express officially launched its second daily flight between Hong Kong (HKG) and Penang (PEN) on October 26. The airline doubled the frequency of the route less than a year after its introduction in November 2024.
The ceremony was attended by Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, PGT Chief Executive Officer Ooi Chok Yan, and HK Express Chief Executive Officer Jeanette Mao.
Wong described the MoU as the beginning of a “new journey” that will strengthen economic and cultural ties between Penang and Hong Kong. “Both destinations share a vibrant, multicultural identity and a similar creative rhythm,” he said. “The twice-daily flights between Hong Kong and Penang, which began on October 26, are already bringing us closer together.”
He added that the collaboration aligns with Penang’s broader tourism strategy ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, designed to attract more international visitors through strategic partnerships and expanded connectivity.
HK Express to grow as Malaysia relaxed visa rules
The agreement also leverages HK Express’s strong network, linking Penang to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, and other key markets. “This partnership will further boost Penang’s visibility as a cultural, historical, and artistic destination,” Wong added at the ceremony.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao highlighted the growing demand for the Penang route. The latter now records an average load factor of 80%. “The increase in service frequency and the signing of this MoU reflect the success of our partnership with the Penang State Government and PGT,” she said. “We see vast potential in the 80-million-strong GBA market and will continue to promote two-way travel and joint marketing initiatives.”
In 2025, HK Express generally boosted its services to Malaysia. On August 1, 2025, the carrier celebrated the official launch of its daily flights between Hong Kong and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang, Kuala Lumpur’ second airport. The carrier will further launch daily services between Hong Kong and the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. The route will commence on November 27, 2025.
According to Mao, the relaxation of Malaysia’s visa policies has significantly boosted arrivals from Chinese Mainland. China inbound is now the second-largest international tourist market for Malaysia.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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