Holiday frenzy: Most hotels in Penang are 80% to 90% booked from Aug 14 to Sept 16, according to the Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Domestic tourists to Penang are set to surge during the Malaysia Day break thanks to attractive promotional packages being offered by hotels.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said most hotels here were 80% to 90% booked from Aug 14 to Sept 16.
He said competing with domestic tourists for hotel rooms was a steady flow of foreign tourists due to the many direct flights to Penang.
To make the National Day holiday season meaningful, some hotels such as The Light Hotel Penang is offering special deals for guests born in August.
“Guests born in August get to enjoy buffets at our hotel for RM67 only,” said general manager K. Raj Kumar.
The number 67 coincides with the number of years since Malaysia gained Independence in 1957.
Other resorts throw in guided private tours for those staying with them this season.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands Resort provide guests staying for at least two nights with a one-and-a-half-day food and cultural private tour.
“They’ll have their own licensed tourist guide to take them around in search of good local food and Penang’s attractions,” communication director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said, adding that the package ranged from RM980 to RM1,210.
Penang Tourist Guides Association president Clement Liang said there had been a resurgence of school and university students coming on group tours and needing tourist guides.
“They come from as far as Johor, which contributes greatly to our domestic tourism scene,” he added.
He said Penang needed more special events, such as food or art festivals, to enhance its appeal, especially to the younger crowd.
“We should offer trendy options that cater not just to foreigners but also local tourists.
“Focus on new trends and markets to attract the younger generation,” he said.
Prestige Hotel general manager Melvin Ooi said Penang remained a top destination for domestic travellers as well as tourists from Singapore and China.
He said in terms of occupancy, the hotel had been recording an average occupancy of 60% and expected the number to rise for the upcoming public holidays.
G Hotel communications director Christina Tan said as a business hotel, her establishment was doing well in tandem with the growing economy in Penang.
Currently, hotel bookings are on the uptrend and are expected to increase through a range of promotional offers in room rates and other packages.
