Penang: Tourism Malaysia will expand the scope of the Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC) to include the cruise sector starting this year, as part of a strategic move to encourage more international tourist arrivals via sea routes. Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, announced the initiative, highlighting the government's recognition of the cruise industry's potential.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the grant previously focused solely on charter flights. The decision to extend the incentive to encompass cruises is expected to boost the tourism sector significantly. Yeoh stated that from 2026, cruise operators, agents, or tour operators bringing cruise ships to Malaysia, particularly to Penang, will be eligible to apply for the grant.
The total allocation for the grant is RM50 million, which will support both the aviation and cruise sectors. There has been no specific breakdown set for the cruise industry within this allocation. Today's VMY2026 welcome programme is part of a coordinated effort by Tourism Malaysia across 55 strategic entry points nationwide, including airports, ports, and major transportation hubs, to enhance Malaysian hospitality and promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
In Penang, the programme was also held at Penang International Airport and the Butterworth Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) station. Yeoh, who also serves as the Penang Port Commission chairman, emphasized that while the grant's name will remain unchanged, its scope now includes sea routes to boost high-spending tourist arrivals.
Tourism Malaysia aims for nearly one million cruise passengers to arrive in Malaysia via Penang in 2026, indicating the recovery of the international cruise industry and the government's commitment to strengthen the sector. Yeoh also anticipates 170 international cruise ship arrivals in Penang in 2026, up from 120 in 2025.
Penang continues to be a key cruise destination in Malaysia, with approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers recorded in 2024, underscoring the state's strong potential in maritime tourism. In 2023, Penang received 700,000 cruise passengers.
On the promotional front, Yeoh mentioned that Tourism Malaysia will intensify digital promotions, collaborate with influencers, and organize food festivals to highlight gastronomic tourism, particularly in Penang, renowned as a food paradise. He noted the importance of presenting traditional dishes in a modern way while retaining their original identity.
Meanwhile, European tourist Brant Morris, 54, shared that he planned his trip to Penang specifically to experience the local food recommended on social media. "I watched several videos about Penang street food and wanted to try it myself, especially local favourites like char kway teow and assam laksa," Morris said.