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Independent Singapore
5 days 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
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brisk bookings at Johor hotels as PKR congress nears
JOHOR BARU: Hotels here are expecting a surge in bookings over the next few weeks as the PKR national congress draws closer. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo said some hotels, especially those around Johor Baru city, have started to see a steady increase in reservations over the past few days. 'Recently, many hotels have been recording a spike in bookings for dates between May 21 and 24 due to the congress. 'We expect the numbers to continue rising in the coming weeks as more party members prepare for the congress,' he said in an interview. Teo added that some hotels, particularly those in the Johor Baru area, are expected to be fully booked ahead of the event. Meanwhile, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Johor Chapter chairman Jarod Chia said they are expecting to see a surge in the days leading up to the congress. 'Budget and business hotel guests attending such events typically make their reservations at the last minute. 'As such, it is still a bit too early to determine whether there will be a significant spike in bookings. 'However, we believe the event will help boost the local tourism industry one way or another,' he said. He added that it is common for hotels here to see an uptick in visitors whenever there is an election or a major political event. On Tuesday, PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh said that the party's 2024 and 2025 annual congress, which was previously scheduled for May 23-25, has been rescheduled to May 21-24. Dr Fuziah said the adjustment to the dates was made as party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has to perform official state duties in conjunction with the arrival of Asean leaders on May 25. She said the event, which includes the congresses for the party's youth and women's wings, will be held at the Persada International Convention Centre here and is expected to draw some 10,000 delegates. The PKR national congress was initially scheduled to be held on Dec 15 last year at the same convention centre here, with the youth and women's wing congresses scheduled for Dec 14 at a separate location. However, it was postponed due to floods that hit several states.
