Good business: (From left) Tan, Kuah and Koh.
PETALING JAYA: With the festive season and school holidays fast approaching, many are making holiday plans as part of the “revenge travel” trend, say tourism players.
They said travel agencies and hotels are getting numerous queries and early bookings for family and group travel.
According to Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, there is a noticeable pattern in international trips to Asean countries.
“This is supported by regional airline promotions and streamlined travel options.
“However, long-haul travel remains popular among higher-income groups, particularly to Europe and to East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China.
“Visa-free policies in these destinations are an added advantage for Malaysians to cut off administrative hassles,” he said when contacted.Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina Kuah said domestic travel is among the top and affordable choices for many Malaysians.
“Domestically, people are travelling to Melaka, Penang, Kuala Selangor and Johor Baru,” she said, adding that since Nov 11, the Genting Dream cruise ship had been docking in Melaka every Monday for 12 hours.
“Each arrival will have an estimated 3,800 visitors and they can explore 14 subsector tourism products in the state.
“In addition, there is a promotion on every first Saturday of the month with cheaper entrance fees to the zoo, museums and other participating tourism spots.”Kuah also said younger generations are mostly the ones booking tours during fairs or as independent travellers to overseas destinations like other Asian countries as well as European countries, Australia and New Zealand.
Malaysia Cruise Industry Association president Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said with a stronger ringgit and an improving economy, many are willing to set aside a budget to travel locally and abroad, including taking a cruise.
He said cruises are getting more popular due to their new holiday concept, leisure-focused experiences and good value.
“There is a wide variety of theme park and entertainment activities on board, international food choices and daily excursions that offer more human interaction.
“Shore excursions play a significant role in attracting cruise travellers with a growing demand for high-end international cruises.”
Citing the Disney Cruise Line as an example, Koh said online bookings for the ship’s maiden voyage recently were so strong that the system had a computer glitch.“The cruise business is a long-term investment. We need to improve our ports and overall support system to attract more cruise travellers,” he added.
Lexis Hotel Group head of digital optimisation and media relations Sarah Lee said they received many queries and early bookings on their Christmas and New Year’s Eve fine dining and stay promotions at their properties in Port Dickson, Penang and Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Leong Shu Yin, 25, said year-end holidays are the best time to reward herself and shed office woes.
The media executive is making a short trip to Melaka to celebrate her birthday.
Her craving for Nyonya food and cheaper accommodation deals made her pre-book her stay at a five-star hotel.
Avid traveller Lidia Akata, 30, is geared up for her trip to Phuket, Thailand.
“I booked with an airline company for both flight and accommodation. I prefer convenience travel instead of taking a bus or driving there,” she said, adding that she looks forward to experiencing the nightlife in Patong and Phi Phi Island.
Another holidaymaker, Fiona May, 32, plans to visit South Korea.
“I find this time of the year particularly special because of the festive activities and the Christmas decorations,” she said.
