The Discovery Princess cruise ship’s maiden visit to Penang brought 3,837 passengers, injecting an estimated RM1.6 million into the local economy.
GEORGE TOWN: The Discovery Princess cruise ship made its inaugural visit to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal at Penang Port.
This maiden call carried 3,837 passengers and crew members to the island.
Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the visit generated an estimated economic impact of USD 383,700 or RM1.6 million.
This calculation was based on a conservative direct expenditure estimate of USD 100 per person.
“This immediate economic injection directly benefits local businesses across hospitality, retail, transport, food and beverage, and tourism services,” he stated.
Yeoh added that the revenue flows directly to taxi drivers, stall owners, tour guides, hoteliers and artisans across Penang.
“This milestone underscores Penang’s growing appeal to international cruise lines,” he said.
He described the visit as an important step in the recovery of the state’s tourism sector.
It also represents continued development for Penang’s maritime industry.
Penang Port remains committed to positioning the state as a welcoming and competitive cruise destination.
“We will continue to work closely with federal and state tourism agencies, cruise lines and local SMEs,” Yeoh affirmed.
These partnerships aim to enhance on-shore experiences and streamline passenger processing.
Upgrading terminal facilities is another key focus area.
These measures aim to improve visitor satisfaction and encourage longer stays.
They also seek to increase opportunities for local suppliers.
The goal is to ensure economic benefits are widely shared across the community. – Bernama
