THE occupancy rates for hotels in Penang are showing encouraging signs ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration this Saturday.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said some hotels in Penang have now reached a 90% occupancy rate.
“Depending on areas, some of the hotels have reached a 90% occupancy rate while others have managed about a 50% rate.
“I foresee the peak period will be from the first day of celebration until the fifth day of the Lunar calendar. The rate is expected to gradually decline from the sixth day onward.
“The surge in occupancy rates during the earlier celebration is mainly attributed to the school holidays coinciding with the Chinese New Year.
“Many families take this opportunity to take their children for vacation,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Goh anticipates a mix of local and foreign tourists during the Chinese New Year, with visitors from Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong expected to join the festivities in Penang.
“We hope to welcome more tourists to Penang this year,” he said, encouraging the visitors to make the most of their vacation experience.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting