GEORGE TOWN (Malaysia), Oct 12 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia’s northern state of Penang is set to receive more inbound travellers with the launch of AirAsia’s new direct route from Bali, scheduled to start on Oct 20 this year.
State Tourism and Creative Economy committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin said he was confident that the route would be popular and provide numerous benefits to the local communities through the multiplier effect of tourism spending as well as employment opportunities.
“This direct flight will also entice foreign travellers to come to Penang and this flight connectivity is advancing my vision towards establishing direct flights between Penang and Australia.
“Studies have shown that Bali’s leading international tourist arrivals are Australians, and since Penang is a growing business and tourism hub surrounded by beaches, this may also encourage airlines to explore the possibility of developing a new route between Penang and Australia,” he told reporters at the launch of the route by AirAsia here Wednesday.
The twice-weekly flight would bring AirAsia Malaysia’s flight frequency in Penang to 156 flights per week.
To celebrate the launch of the route, AirAsia is offering affordable fares between Bali and Penang, starting from RM159 (US$34) all-in-one way from today until Oct 16, for the travel period between Oct 20, 2022 and March 25, 2023.
Head of Commercial AirAsia Malaysia, Liyana Mahizzan said the new route is a testament to the airline’s commitment to elevating Penang as a preferred tourism destination in the region, following the signing of the memorandum of collaboration with Penang Global Tourism last August.
“Penang plays an important role in our growth, and as a key player with the biggest market share of 50 per cent as a group, we will continue to expand our services into the state in the future,” she added.
— NNN-BERNAMA