PENANG has started to record positive tourism growth involving domestic and international tourists since the country’s borders were reopened on April 1.
Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said during the weekends, beach hotels have recorded about 90% occupancy rate while city hotels have chalked up between 70% and 80% occupancy rate.
“Meanwhile, the occupancy rate on weekdays is between 20% and 30%. It’s a little bit low but that is understandable due to the Ramadan month when the Muslims are fasting.
“Overall, we expect the occupancy rate on weekends and weekdays to go up again after the Ramadan month, especially during the public holidays next week. We anticipate more tourists and business travellers to come to Penang.
“But most of the hotels also are still lacking manpower. So, some of them are limiting their room bookings because of this matter.
“And we hope there will be some swift action by the Federal Government to solve this matter,” Goh said when contacted by Buletin Mutiara today.
Goh also welcomed the Government’s plan to relax three key measures in the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the prevention of Covid-19. It is expected to make an announcement soon.
“The three key measures involved the wearing of face masks, scanning of the MySejahtera application when entering premises and Covid-19 detection tests.
“I believe it is the right move as our country is heading towards endemicity,” he added.
For G Hotel in Penang, its communication director Christina Tan said the room bookings have increased now.
“During the first two weeks after the country’s borders were reopened, the room bookings were slow because the people were still cautious.
“But during the recent weeks, our occupancy rate for weekdays and weekends has gone up to 70%.
“Most of our clientele were also business travellers.
“Thus, this shows that we are slowly regaining our momentum,” she said.
Ixora Hotel general manager John MacNeill said the hotel currently was offering attractive promotions as part of its efforts to increase the occupancy rate among domestic and international tourists.
“One of our promotions is known as ‘Ramadan Deal’ package whereby our customers can enjoy one night of stay at a price of RM250 (single occupancy) and RM330 (double occupancy).
“The price rate also is inclusive of superior king room or twin room, breakfast or sahur and Ramadan buffet dinner.
“For further details regarding this promotion and other promotions as well, please visit our website at https://www.ixorahotel.com/
“So far, the response that we have received has been very encouraging. We hope it will continue as we welcome more tourists into the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, in his statement emphasised that it is crunch time for Malaysia to drop stringent restrictions and instead, eased requirements for the fully vaccinated, especially with the imminent Middle Eastern holiday season.
“Middle Eastern travellers are already starting to make plans for their summer holidays which typically take place from June to August. By easing restrictions, it will help make Malaysia their destination of choice.
“Malaysia also needs to be progressive in its strategies and launch policies which are in tandem with the nation’s goal to transition into an endemic.
“Our exit strategy from Covid-19 needs to be comprehensive. The Federal Government needs to relook into the tourism aspect to keep our competitiveness against other regional tourism powerhouses, and in the long run, inject vitality into our beleaguered economy,” he said.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal