FOLLOWING the high occupancy rate for hotels on both the island and mainland during the Deepavali festivity, a similar situation is expected for the upcoming Christmas celebration as well as the school holidays.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter) chairman Tony Goh said that the Deepavali celebration held last weekend (Nov 12) saw an average occupancy rate of between 80 and 90 per cent on the island.
Goh said on the mainland, the hotels experienced an occupancy rate of between 70 and 80 per cent.
“Hotels in the city had an occupancy rate of more than 80%, while beach hotels had rates exceeding 90% and some even had 100%.
“I believe that with the Christmas celebration and school holidays in December, the occupancy rate will be good, just as it was last year.
“The Penang government has consistently been active in its tourism initiatives, attracting both domestic and international tourists to the state,” Goh said when he was contacted by Buletin Mutiara this morning.
Goh also shared that this year, Penang has more direct flights, namely the Penang-Doha flights (Qatar Airways), Penang-Xiamen flights (Xiamen Airlines), and Penang-Bangkok direct flights (Firefly).
Meanwhile, Datuk Lim Mee Lee, the former Penang Hoteliers Association chairman advised visitors and travelers to make early reservations during the upcoming school holidays.
“As we anticipate a high rate of hotel occupancy throughout Penang during the holidays, we encourage those planning to visit to book their hotel stay in advance,” Lim said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar & courtesy of interviewees