BUTTERWORTH: After having suffered losses for nearly two years, restaurants and major food operators in Penang are set to end 2021 with a bang following an increase in bookings for year-end annual dinners.

       At a restaurant in Taman Robina here, reservations have been pouring in with over 1,000 guests already confirmed since it reopened to dining two weeks ago.

       Its manager Rosli Ahmad, 55, said public response had been overwhelming, adding that most outlets were similarly looking forward to a great year-end bonanza.

       He said the restaurant, which is located next to the Pantai Robina beach and recreational area, was reopened at the end of October after the interstate travel ban was lifted.

       “Since then, there has been an influx of visitors to the beach for recreation, and we have a full house of about 300 diners on weekends,” he said.

       Rosli said up to December, four reservations had been confirmed with more enquiries coming in.

       “The reservations are for a teachers’ reunion of 100 guests, a company dinner for 70 and two wedding feasts with about 500 guests each,” he said in an interview.

       Rosli said it was hiring additional staff to support its operation.

       The Light Hotel Penang general manager K. Raj Kumar said it had received many new enquiries after interstate travel was permitted again.

       The enquiries mostly came from Kuala Lumpur companies for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, he added.

       “We forecast a 50% increase in revenue following the lifting of the interstate travel ban.

       “Since we started our food and beverage promotions on Oct 14, most guests have been comfortable with our service as well as hygiene standards,” he said, adding that the hotel in Seberang Jaya observed strict standard operating procedures (SOP).

       Raj Kumar said it was also expecting a major boost in business during the Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year period.