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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Holiday bookings in Johor show how it's growing as global tourist spot, officials say
SINGAPORE: The start of the school holidays has meant that the tourism industry in Johor has gotten ready for an influx of visitors, reported Malaysia's The Star last weekend. While Singaporeans still make up the majority of travelers to the state, Ivan Teo, the chairman of the Johor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, noted that there has also been an increase in visitors from Japan, South Korea, and China. Hotel bookings are now high, he said, and not just in Johor Bahru. Other areas, including Desaru and Mersing, have seen an increase in bookings. Also, because Malaysian students are on holiday at the same time as Singaporeans, local tourists are expected to flock to Johor. Singapore students are on holiday until Jun 29, while Malaysian students are on a school break until Jun 9. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holiday makers with many attractions in the area,' The Star quoted Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er Wee Heng as saying. See also Malaysian news portal gets mixed-up in anti-Islam claims Hotel bookings throughout the state are estimated at 80%, according to State Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman K Raven Kumar, who believes that these show how the state is becoming a travel destination for international travelers. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Baru,' he said, adding that Mersing and other areas have shown an uptick in tourists. Local netizens commenting on social media about the phenomenon underlined that part of the attraction Johor holds for Singaporeans is that the Singapore dollar can be stretched further in comparison to other places. 'So we Singaporeans are going to 'marching' into Malaysia with our Sing dollars,' quipped one. Another wondered if Singapore is 'too small, too boring, and too expensive?' One noted that many Singaporeans would 'flock to JB to enjoy 50% off Singapore prices. Legoland, Midvalley, Uncle Roger's, chilli crab Zi char, and hotel stays.' See also Singapore's Tourism Boosts Economy Amidst Global Challenges A local commenter suggested that Singaporeans could 'Try going to other states instead of just being fixated on Johor.' However, one was worried that 'nothing will be done to ease traffic,' as holidays in Singapore are known to cause a sizable increase in the travel time between the city-state and Johor Bahru. /TISG Read also: Johor ramps up cross-border tourism ties with Singapore ahead of VJY 2026
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Johor expects surge in visitors as school holidays kick in on both sides of causeway
Johor expects surge in visitors as school holidays kick in on both sides of causeway JOHOR BAHRU - Johor's tourism industry is bracing for a surge in visitors with the school holiday period being observed in Malaysia and Singapore. Local industry players said they are gearing up for a much-anticipated travel wave from across the Causeway. Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er said the tourism industry in Johor is experiencing good times again with both local and international visitors. 'With Malaysia and Singapore having school holidays now, we expect to see many visitors at the farm,' he said. Mr Er said many hotels operating in Desaru, which is about 75km from Johor, were highly booked due to the school holidays in both countries. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holidaymakers with many attractions in the area,' he added. Mr Er said there are many activities at the farm for the family to enjoy, from tasting various tropical fruits to seeing its many animals. 'Besides hotels in Johor Baru, those in other areas in the state such as Desaru and even Mersing are experiencing a surge in bookings. 'Singaporeans remain the bulk of foreign visitors but we are also seeing visitors from Japan, South Korea and China coming over.' State unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said about 80 per cent of hotel rooms throughout Johor were already booked due to the school holidays. He said that the strong bookings reflect the growing global interest in Johor as a travel destination. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Bahru. 'Other areas like Mersing are also seeing an increase in visitor traffic,' he said. The school holidays in Malaysia started on May 29 and will last until June 9, while Singapore school holidays are from May 31 till June 29. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Johor bookings in as school's out on both ends of the Causeway
JOHOR BARU: Johor's tourism industry is bracing for a surge in visitors with the school holiday period being observed in Malaysia and Singapore. Local industry players said they are gearing up for a much-anticipated travel wave from across the Causeway. Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er Wee Heng said the tourism industry in Johor is experiencing good times again with both local and international visitors. 'With Malaysia and Singapore having school holidays now, we expect to see many visitors at the farm,' he said. Er said many hotels operating in Desaru, which is about 75km from here, were highly booked due to the school holidays in both countries. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holidaymakers with many attractions in the area,' he added. Er said there are many activities at the farm for the family to enjoy, from tasting various tropical fruits to seeing its many animals. Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo confirmed the high volume of hotel bookings in the state. 'Besides hotels in Johor Baru, those in other areas in the state such as Desaru and even Mersing are experiencing a surge in bookings. 'Singaporeans remain the bulk of foreign visitors but we are also seeing visitors from Japan, South Korea and China coming over.' State unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said about 80% of hotel rooms throughout Johor were already booked due to the school holidays. He said that the strong bookings reflect the growing global interest in Johor as a travel destination. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Baru. 'Other areas like Mersing are also seeing an increase in visitor traffic,' he said. The school holidays in Malaysia started on Thursday and will last until June 9, while Singapore school holidays are from today till June 29.
