GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to see an influx of tourists from China with the addition of six new direct flights between this month and the next.

Starting July 27, there will be three new direct flights weekly from Shenzhen, followed by three more from Shanghai in August, said Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai.

“This will bring the total number of direct flights between Penang and China to 44,” he said in an interview.

Wong added that five airlines are serving the route, with China Southern Airlines topping the list with the most flights at 14, followed by seven each from Xiamen, Juneyao, and Hong Kong Cathay Pacific, followed by three flights from Hong Kong AirAsia.

Wong said China Southern Airlines, which used to serve seven times a week, will increase its frequency from Guangzhou to Penang to 14 flights on Sept 1.

It was earlier reported that Penang recorded a 370% increase in tourists from China in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.

Wong attributed the spike to the visa-free policy and direct flights between Penang and China.

Between January and March this year, Penang International Airport received 22,420 visitors from China, compared with 4,768 arrivals in the same period last year.

These were only travelers who arrived via direct flights from China, while those who came via other means, such as through domestic flights from other states, were not factored in.