Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang, are celebrating a remarkable rebound in Chinese holiday travel, marking a strong return of international visitors to Malaysia’s island destination. The resurgence reflects the growing appeal of Penang among Chinese travellers, supported by improved air connectivity, new attractions, and Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals effective until the end of 2026. 

This year, both resorts have seen a sharp increase in arrivals from China, leading to higher occupancy rates and stronger revenue performance. The renewed interest from Chinese travellers’ underscores Penang’s rising status as one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after holiday destinations. The growth comes as travel confidence continues to strengthen across Asia, with Chinese tourists showing a renewed appetite for premium leisure experiences. Penang properties, known for their lush beachfront settings and signature hospitality, have emerged as preferred choices for this returning market.

The success of both resorts has been further validated by Trip.com Group (formerly CTrip International), which recently honored them with prestigious awards for excellence in hospitality. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang received the “Trip.Best Premium Hotel” award, while Shangri-La Golden Sands earned both the “Rising Star” and “Trip.Best Premium Hotel” accolades. These distinctions make the two properties the only hotels in Penang recognised as Chinese-Friendly Hotels by Trip.com Group, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional service and tailored experiences for Chinese guests.

Beyond industry recognition, both resorts have achieved impressive visibility across major Chinese social media platforms, including Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), TikTok, Sina Weibo, Tencent QQ, Douyin, and WeChat. They have recorded the highest number of positive posts and reviews among Penang’s hospitality establishments, reflecting strong guest satisfaction and engagement. This digital momentum has amplified Penang’s exposure as a vibrant, family-friendly, and premium travel destination, further fueling interest among Chinese travellers planning their next overseas holiday.

With this wave of renewed interest, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands are poised to welcome even more Chinese visitors in the months ahead. Both resorts continue to invest in cultural experiences, culinary offerings, and personalised services designed to resonate with Chinese guests. “We are delighted to see the return of Chinese travellers to Penang and are deeply honored by the recognition from Trip.comGroup,” said Dato’ Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman, Director of Communications. “These achievements reflect our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences and our ongoing commitment to building meaningful connections with our guests from China.”

As travel demand continues to rise, the success of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden, Penang not only strengthens their position in the regional hospitality market but also reaffirms Penang’s growing reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s top holiday destinations. Shangri-La Penang properties are set to remain at the forefront of this momentum, offering travellers from China and beyond a blend of luxury, nature, and genuine Malaysian hospitality.

Source – Shangri-La Penang Resorts