Tourism Malaysia has expanded the scope of its Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC) to include the cruise sector.
Previously limited to charter flights, the grant will now be open to cruise operators, travel agents and tour operators bringing cruise ships into Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin told reporters during a Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) event held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
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The Charter Flight Matching Grant will allocate RM50 million (US$12.3 million) to both aviation and cruise sectors, according to Yeoh, who also chairs the Penang Port Commission. No specific breakdown has been given at press time.
The expansion aligns with broader efforts to position Penang Port as a leading regional cruise hub, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to attract higher-spending visitors.
Tourism Malaysia is targeting nearly one million cruise passengers arriving via Penang in 2026.
Yeoh shared that Penang is expected to receive 170 international cruise ship calls in 2026, up from 120 in 2025. The state recorded approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers in 2024, with 700,000 arrivals last year, underscoring its importance as a maritime tourism gateway.
Beyond cruise incentives, Tourism Malaysia will continue to intensify digital promotions, influencer partnerships and food-focused events to strengthen destination appeal, particularly in Penang, which is positioning its culinary heritage as a key tourism draw.