Latest news with #MalaysianAssociationofHotels
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Visa-free travel revitalising Penang's tourism sector
GEORGE TOWN: Since the introduction of visa-free travel with China in December 2023, many hotels in Penang have nearly doubled their business, with expectations of further growth as the policy expands, according to tourism industry insiders. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said the influx of Chinese tourists has revitalised the hotel industry after the Covid-19 pandemic. On average, Chinese tourists book stays ranging from two days in three- to five-star hotels, often travelling with family or friends rather than in large tour groups. 'Since December 2023, most hotels have experienced double- digit growth. 'Without this influx of Chinese nationals, hotels would be suffering,' he said. Currently, Malaysians can travel to China visa-free until Dec 31 this year, while Chinese nationals enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia until Dec 31 next year. Last month, it was announced that the Malaysia-China visa-free period has been extended for five years, allowing citizens of both countries to stay visa-free for up to 90 days cumulatively over six months in either country. The agreement allows stays of up to 30 days for each entry into either country. It is expected to come into force once both countries complete the necessary bureaucratic procedures. The agreement was signed during President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia. Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (Atap) chairman Datuk Ch'ng Huck Theng echoed the optimism that the expanded visa-free travel could boost tourism in Penang. 'There are many attractions in Penang that cannot be duplicated in their own country, so tourists need to come and see for themselves. This is a good sign for us,' he said. While the mutual visa exemption policy is a positive development, Penang Tourist Guide Association (PTGA) chairman Clement Liang said it should be carefully monitored to prevent abuse. 'While visa-free entry offers convenience and promotes tourism, it should not come at the expense of regulatory oversight. 'We have already heard of foreign photographers providing freelance services, such as wedding tourism packages. This is against local employment regulations. We should aim for sustainable tourism practices rather than mass tourism,' he said. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang is supportive of the initiative as it will further boost tourism and promote extended stays, especially during winter escapes. He noted a significant increase in Chinese visitors during the recent five-day Labour Day Golden Week, with direct flights between China and Penang rising by 175% compared to the previous year. During the Golden Week period in May 2024, there were 24 weekly flights operated by four airlines. This year, the same period saw 66 weekly flights operated by 11 airlines, he added. Wong said among the popular destinations were the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site and Penang Hill, which is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. He said between May 1 to May 4, the funicular train up the hill recorded a total ridership of 30,858, with visitors from China accounting to 13.7%.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Hotels, car rentals in Langkawi fully booked ahead of Lima'25
LANGKAWI: Hotels and registered car rental services on the island are fully booked ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25), which will be held from 20 to 25 May. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah/Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass confirmed that all 7,800 rooms operated by its member hotels in Langkawi have been taken up for the Lima '25 week. "I understand that our member hotels, both in Kuah and along the beachfront, are fully booked for the Lima '25 period. "In total, we offer 7,800 rooms across our member properties in Langkawi," he told the New Straits Times. Langkawi Homestay Association chairman Mokhtar Shabudin Ismail said that over 90 per cent of accommodation offered by its 60 members has also been booked. "We are receiving many enquiries from visitors, and we expect the remaining 10 per cent will be taken up very soon," he said when contacted. Langkawi Car Rental Association chairman Rosli Ahmad said rental cars operated by members of the association are also fully booked ahead of the biennial exhibition. "In total, around 600 vehicles operated by our 80 car rental providers have already been reserved. "As usual, demand for car rentals surges during the Lima exhibition. "Participants are expected to start arriving from 17 May, followed by general visitors," he said. Lee Han Eng, president of the Langkawi Chinese Chamber of Commerce, reckoned Lima as a much-anticipated event for the island's tourism and business sectors. "We expect businesses in Pantai Chenang and around Langkawi International Airport to thrive, with some spillover effects in Kuah town. Overall, it's a positive boost for Langkawi's tourism and economy," he said. Langkawi Business Association adviser Datuk Alexander Isaac said Lima brings exposure and high-value income to Langkawi, with numerous spin-off benefits during and after the event. "Many visitors are likely to extend their stay to explore the island, which is great for local businesses during Visit Kedah Year 2025." Alexander also welcomed the move by Langkawi ferry operators to increase services during the event. On Tuesday, Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, which manages passenger ferry services to the island, announced that over 40,000 tickets had been sold ahead of Lima '25. The company has scheduled an additional 100 trips between 20 and 25 May, covering the event period and the day after. Approximately 10,000 return tickets remain available. Lima '25, themed "Today's Progress, Future Achievements", is expected to surpass previous editions in terms of asset value. To date, 10,000 public tickets have been sold, with confirmed exhibitors from China, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Italy. The previous edition, Lima '23, featured more than 600 companies from 30 countries — the largest since the event's inception in 1991.
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.
