Onn Hafiz (front row, centre) with participants in Bandar Medini, Iskandar Puteri.
THE introduction of the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to boost Johor’s tourism industry.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said tourism industry players should train their staff and upgrade facilities to meet increased demands for Visit Johor Year (VJY) 2026.
“I hope industry players are ready to offer their best service.
“The tourism sector was hard hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people losing their jobs and some hotels closing down.
“However, today it is one of the fastest growing industries in Johor, and the SFZ and JS-SEZ will strengthen this sector,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said this at the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor Chapter Run 2024, held at Gateway Garden in Bandar Medini, Iskandar Puteri.
Onn Hafiz added that MAH would play a big role in VJY 2026.
“Your hotel rooms will be essential in the coming years.
“So, it is vital that you are well prepared, both in terms of facilities and manpower,” he said.
Praising Onn Hafiz’s leadership, MAH vice-president Lim Choong Sean said the success of Johor’s tourism industry was testament to his dedication.
He also spoke about the sense of belonging felt within the hotelier community.
He described this as vital for retaining staff in an industry that faces a high turnover.
“This run promotes better health and strengthens bonds between Johor industry players.
“This is the second time the event has been held, with last year’s run attracting 580 participants from the hotel sector.
“Johor’s hotel industry continues to grow, with the country’s second highest number of rooms totalling 18,654,” Lim said, adding that only Kuala Lumpur had more rooms.
“Johor also boasts the fourth largest membership under MAH.”
MAH Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo said the state government should also allow more flights from China to Johor to increase tourists to the state.
“They (Chinese) have the spending power which is vital for the industry to expand and grow.
“More tourists also means we can increase the pay for our staff, and prevent them from looking for jobs in other countries,” he said.
Teo added that the change in Johor’s official weekend days to Saturday and Sunday from Jan 1, 2025, would mean more tourists needing hotel accommodation.
“It will be a bit more crowded.
“So, we can expect room rates to go up as well,” he added.
