By V. Sivaji
The hospitality industry in the Northern region is welcoming the good run of business since the reopening of local and international borders.
Although in general, there seems to be positive feedback from stakeholders and industry players, there is also news of the business not up to expectations.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter) chairman, Tony Goh said that their members experienced the biggest and record breaking figures in December last year (2022),
“However, for this January and February (2023) shows a drop of almost 40% when compared to Dec last year.
“But when compared to 2022 Jan and Feb there is still an uptrend of 50% to 100%.
“We are grateful for the business we are getting, but in 2023 we are also facing the increase in TNB rates from Jan this year. This has also added to our burden,” said Goh who is also the general manager of St Giles Wembley here to Penang Hyperlocal.
Meanwhile, the MAH chairman for Kedah/Perlis chapter, Eugene Dass says that the business scenario between mainland and the island of Langkawi differs.
“Langkawi was good in Dec 2022 but there was a difference between Kuah hotels and the beach hotels in itself.
“While the Kuah hotels were doing around 30% occupancy rates only, the beach hotels were doing much better and business was more encouraging.
“Although, this Jan and Feb 2023 was picking up but it was not to expectations. As for the mainland (Alor Star) last Dec, it was encouraging but for this Jan and Feb, it has been still slow.
“Now, hotels in Langkawi are gearing their preparations towards the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) which is happening in May this year.
“We are also looking forward to the state elections which we hope to be the driver for our occupancy levels,” said Dass, who is also the general manager of the StarCity Hotel.
