STATE local players in the hotel industry have often proven their agility in adapting to the new reality.
With 2021 just round the bend, the hotel industry is already planning to further boost its services for the new season – with no room and time to compromise amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) – Penang Chapter chairman Raj Kumar said despite the changed landscape due to the pandemic, it is vital for the hotel industry to stay relevant and continuously draw plans in order to further boost its services for the people.
“If we feel the various struggles presented to us have been simply unbearable this year, we must expect a greater pinch in 2021. That pinch, however, will be more towards working harder than we did in 2020 to live better in the years to come.
“The hotels in Penang have engaged in discussions to incorporate proactive plans in an effort to further attract and boost its services for the people. Service is everything when it comes to the hotel industry.
“We have yet to finalise the plans, but briefly it would include efforts such as introducing all-in packages for the guests to enjoy from.
“When I say all-in, it means the guests will pay a certain rate for their accommodation, which includes tickets to leisure parks, museums and other attractions in the state,” said Raj during an interview session with Buletin Mutiara.
Raj, who is also The Light Hotel general manager, applauded the Penang government for its various initiatives to revive the tourism industry as a whole.
He also urged related leaders to continuously look into ways and means to further promote local tourism on the mainland.
“There are quite a number of attractions on the mainland that visitors can visit, such as the Homestay Kampung Agong, Butterworth Art Walk and many others,” Raj added.
He also added that in the new normal where people tend to travel less yet seek unique travel experiences, it is important that key industry players be prepared to meet that thirst for more exclusive and small-scale experiences.
“As mentioned earlier, for the hotel industry in the state, we are currently drawing up plans that will be announced in near future,” he added.
Separately, Raj said after the Federal Government had lifted the conditional movement control order (CMCO) in the state on Dec 7, The Light Hotel saw an increase of 30% in occupancy rate.
“People have started travelling, and the response the hotel gets has been quite encouraging. With this, we hope to move forward carefully, and it is important to continue abiding by all the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” Raj added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad