KUALA LUMPUR - Bernama reported that Penang continues to attract strong domestic and international tourist arrivals during the school holidays and Christmas period, with hotels recording high occupancy rates across major tourism areas.

Penang Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH) Chairman, Datuk Tony Goh said hotel occupancy during the school holidays and Christmas weekend ranged between 70% and 90%.

"On average, weekday hotel occupancy in Penang stands at about 70 per cent, which is still considered healthy despite the growing number of new hotels in the state that have somewhat slowed weekday bookings.

"However, in conjunction with Christmas and this weekend, hotel room bookings, especially in urban areas such as George Town and Batu Ferringhi, have recorded a significant increase compared to normal days," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Goh said the opening of several new hotels next year is expected to further strengthen Penang’s tourism sector by providing more accommodation options for visitors.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said tourist attractions across Penang have seen higher visitor numbers since the school holidays began last Friday.

He said Bukit Bendera remained one of the most popular attractions, recording more than 30,000 visitors between December 19 and 22.

"Bukit Bendera continues to attract both local and foreign tourists throughout the school holiday period.

"Penang is not only known for its beautiful beaches and attractive tourist spots, but also for its diverse local cuisine, including nasi kandar, laksa and char kuey teow, which remain favourites among tourists," he said.

Observations around George Town and Batu Ferringhi showed heavier traffic congestion on major roads leading to tourist attractions and shopping centres.

Many of the vehicles on the roads were reported to be from other states, reflecting the high influx of tourists during the holiday season.

Congestion was also reported at key intersections and coastal roads during peak hours throughout the extended holiday period.

More than 2.2 million vehicles are expected to enter Penang during the year-end school holidays and Christmas celebrations starting Dec 23.

The estimate is based on traffic patterns from previous festive seasons and the ongoing Penang Festival, which runs from Dec 6 to Jan 10, 2026.