Resort hotels across Malaysia are seeing stronger bookings ahead of the upcoming long holiday break, with some properties recording occupancy rates above 90 per cent during peak weekends.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president Cs Lim said domestic travel continues to underpin the hotel industry, particularly in leisure destinations, although overall bookings for the extended holiday period remain softer.
Several public holidays — including Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday — overlap with the school holidays from 22 May to 6 June, a period when domestic travel typically drives hotel demand across key leisure destinations.
“Resort hotels are performing better. On certain peak days, especially over the weekends, some hotels are already seeing occupancy rates above 90 per cent,” said Lim.
“Generally, many hotels are recording occupancy of around 60 per cent to 80 per cent.”
Lim added there is still potential for last-minute domestic travel demand to pick up, noting that “Malaysians usually book closer to travel dates.”
Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said hotel bookings in kampung areas, particularly along the east coast, are expected to surge as Malaysians return to their hometowns.
Terengganu and Kelantan are expected to see higher occupancy, while smaller towns in Johor are also recording improved bookings.
Dr Michiel said holidays were increasingly viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury, with many families seeing travel as an important part of maintaining family bonding, mental well-being and work-life balance.
Occupancy in kampung areas is expected to rise 30 per cent to 40 per cent, with some hotels already at 80 per cent occupancy.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has urged travellers to monitor latest updates from their airlines, check flight status regularly, arrive early at airports and carry all necessary travel documents. Under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code, passengers facing long delays are entitled to assistance or refunds, while those affected by cancellations or major schedule changes are entitled to rerouting or refunds.
Source: The Star
