Penang Seeks To Boost Cruise Tourism With New '3I Strategy'
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Penang is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a leading cruise tourism destination with the introduction of a proposed ‘3I Strategy’ aimed at enhancing port facilities and attracting new international cruise routes.
Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the strategy would help strengthen the state’s port competitiveness while ensuring that the growing number of cruise visitors translates into meaningful economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Under the proposed 3I Strategy, he outlined three key priorities, namely, improving port facilities and services to strengthen handling capacity and enhance the passenger experience; introducing new international cruise routes to attract more calls and longer stays in port; and intensifying cooperation between ports and the tourism industry to ensure more local businesses benefit from the cruise economy.
“The terminal is international visitors’ first point of contact with Penang. From disembarkation and clearance to boarding transport for sightseeing, every stage influences their impression of Penang. We must provide safe, efficient and convenient services to give visitors a positive start to their experience.
“Second, engagement with international cruise lines and regional tourism operators should be strengthened through joint promotions and business networking, encouraging more cruise lines to include Penang in their regular itineraries. Opportunities to extend stays in port should also be explored, giving passengers more time for sightseeing and spending,” he said in a statement today.
He made the proposal in conjunction with the welcoming ceremony marking the maiden call of Navigator of the Seas at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) here yesterday. The cruise ship arrived with 3,887 international passengers and 1,200 crew members, bringing a total of 5,087 people to Penang.
Yeoh, who is also Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman, proposed bringing together travel agencies, tour guides, transport operators, food and beverage businesses and creative industry players to develop diverse shore excursion packages.
He said these experiences could incorporate George Town’s cultural heritage, local cuisine, traditional crafts and community-based tourism activities.
Meanwhile, he noted that SPCT recorded 569,173 passenger movements from January to September 2026, compared with 374,171 during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 52.12 per cent.
“This performance provides a solid foundation for closer cooperation between the port and tourism sectors. The benefits of port development should be reflected in better services, stronger international connections and tangible business opportunities for local operators,” he added.
On the maiden call of Navigator of the Seas, Yeoh said the visit created business opportunities for Penang’s food and beverage, retail, transport, tour guiding and tourism services sectors while demonstrating the state’s potential for cruise tourism development.
Last week, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said five international cruise ships were scheduled to make their maiden calls at the SPCT between this month and December this year, with a combined passenger capacity of more than 10,000.
The vessels are Navigator of the Seas, Villa Vie Odyssey, Adora Mediterranea, Star Seeker and Celebrity Solstice. Navigator of the Seas was the first to arrive, berthing at 2.30 pm on Oct 30.
-- BERNAMA