PETALING JAYA: As Chinese New Year approaches, hotels are expecting a gradual increase in occupancy rates.

       Malaysian Association of Hotels chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said the Chinese New Year season was usually a peak period for tourism and hotels with more international arrivals, with locals usually opting to go abroad.

       “This time, the celebrations are expected to be driven domestically.

       “While demand has returned, it is again very much focused on popular destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh, Genting Highlands and the like.

       “The 2021 Christmas and New Year holidays saw occupancy rates peaking at approximately 52% which is the average for Malaysia, with popular domestic holiday destinations performing better than others,” he said.

       Yap said that based on internal feedback, business for the coming Chinese New Year celebration is expected to be slightly lower than the year-end holidays, with local travellers being limited to certain groups and with fewer choices of domestic destinations.

       “This could also be due to the current economic situation and concerns raised over the Omicron variant, besides the impact of the floods across the country.

       “So we will likely see average occupancy of approximately 40% to 45% at most,” added Yap.

       He said that apart from the standard cleaning protocols, more hotels are now certified under MAH’s Clean & Safe Malaysia hygiene and safety programme with Bureau Veritas Certifications Malaysia, which is part of Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia.

       “Hotels have also limited the number of guests within manageable volumes and safe physical distancing standards.

       “Guests are also actively provided with information and guides prior to arrival, to prepare them for standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance and a comfortable and uninterrupted stay,” he said.

       Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association national deputy president Sri Ganesh Michiel said bookings are yet to go up for budget hotels due to several factors.

       “A majority of our customers are still wary of the current weather conditions, especially with the floods, and are undecided on travel.

       “There is also the Covid-19 concern, with many still not having the confidence to travel interstate yet despite the current relaxations,” he said.

       Ganesh said the Christmas and New Year celebrations saw high occupancy rates for budget hotels in the big cities while those in smaller towns still fared poorly.

       Avid traveller Mandeep Singh, 26, said he would not decline an opportunity to travel during the Chinese New Year holidays if his friends or family makes plans.

       “The most important thing is that we look after ourselves and take our own precautionary measures.

       “With the current relaxations, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of those around them,” he said.