GEORGE TOWN: Penang welcomed the maiden call of Costa Deliziosa to its shores this morning.
Costa Deliziosa, with a capacity of 2,828 passengers, arrived today from 8am to 1pm. It offers visitors a brief yet memorable glimpse into the wonders of Penang.
State Tourism and Creative Economy chairman Wong Hon Wai said there would be only two maiden calls instead of three, as reported earlier.
"Costa Deliziosa calls on the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal this morning. This will be followed by Serenade of the Seas with a capacity of 2,500 passengers, which will dock on April 26, from 9am to 6pm.
"Due to unforseen circumstances, we were informed that Resilient Lady will not call to the port this month," he said today.
Last week, Wong said in a historic first for 2024, Penang would welcome three maiden calls in a single month berthing at its shores, marking a significant milestone in the continuous efforts to elevate Penang's status as a top-tier tourist destination.
Wong said the robust growth of cruise tourism in Penang was evident from data.
From 2022 to 2023, the number of international vessel berths nearly doubled, increasing from 84 to 156, marking an impressive growth rate of 85.71 per cent.
"Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the number of international passengers during the same period, rising from 439,012 to 573,178, representing a growth rate of 30.56 per cent.
"These figures underscore Penang's status as a sought-after cruise destination, gradually solidifying its position in the industry," he added.
Furthermore, Wong said upon closer examination of the year-to-date data for January and February 2023 and January and February 2024, it was evident that both the number of international vessel berths and passenger numbers continued to exhibit upward trends.
The international vessel berths increased from 31 to 45, demonstrating a growth rate of 45.16 per cent, indicating Penang's sustained momentum in attracting international cruise ships.
Likewise, passenger numbers showed an increase during these periods, rising from 100,803 to 131,208, translating to a growth rate of 30.16 per cent.
"This further validates Penang's status as a favored cruise tourism destination, consistently attracting a growing number of visitors," he said.
Positioned advantageously, the cruise terminal offers tourists immediate access to an UNESCO World Heritage Site upon disembarkation, providing a captivating introduction to Penang.
Visitors are treated to a seven to eight-hour excursion, serving as a tantalising preview of the island's offerings, enticing them to return for a deeper exploration.
From the enchanting colonial architecture and vibrant street art of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site to the serene vistas from Penang Hill, which offer sweeping panoramas of the island's verdant landscapes, Penang ensures an enriching experience for every traveler.
