WITH Chinese New Year celebrations just three weeks away on Jan 29 and 30, hotel bookings in Penang remain at a moderate level.
Datuk Tony Goh, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter, noted that the current occupancy rate is still moderate, with many hotels still having vacant rooms.
“As usual, I believe bookings will increase significantly in the final week, exceeding 90 per cent. This trend will likely continue beyond the second day of Chinese New Year, as people take advantage of the weekend to extend their holidays,” Goh, who is also the general manager of The Wembley St Giles Hotel Penang, told Buletin Mutiara.
A survey by Buletin Mutiara revealed that several prominent hotels in George Town and Batu Feringghi, particularly four- and five-star establishments, still have rooms available for Jan 29 and 30.
State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, anticipates a surge in hotel bookings after the Chinese New Year. He expects an influx of tourists as several festivals, including Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh, coincide with the school holiday week.
Thaipusam, a significant festival for Hindus, falls on Feb 11 and is a three-day celebration where devotees clad in yellow and saffron bear milk pots or kavadis adorned with body and facial piercings. They seek blessings, fulfil vows, and offer thanks to Lord Murugan.
Chap Goh Meh, falling on Feb 12, marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is also celebrated as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
“Looking at the calendar, Chinese New Year is at the end of January, with the second week still part of the school holidays. The third week will feature Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh. This will attract Hindu devotees from outstation and both domestic and international tourists.
“Therefore, I anticipate that during this period, hotel occupancy rates and the atmosphere in Penang will become more vibrant,” Wong explained.