DOMESTIC travel is allowed again, but industry players in Penang and Kedah are not shouting for joy just yet.

They told The Malaysian Insight that even though several hotels have reported an increase in occupancy rates, they are keeping their hopes in check.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah and Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass said it is a long time before they can start thinking about profit.

“The three-month movement-control order has taken a toll on the tourism industry.

“In fact, there are hotels that remain closed. Hotel bookings have not reached 1,000. There are many hotels in Langkawi that are still closed. 

“It is too early for us to set targets. The reality is that hotels are still in survival mode. We try to fill up the hotels as much as possible, but there are tourism spots that have yet to reopen.

“Even the ferries here only make three trips – one to Kuala Kedah and two to Kuala Perlis.”

He said it will take three months for MAH to get a proper assessment of the industry.  

“Many hotels are lowering their prices because we really need the business. We want the industry to move forward, even if our guests are only from Kedah.

“These low prices, however, cannot be sustained because hotels now bear the costs of social distancing, disinfection and closing their restaurants. Hotel prices will eventually return to normal, but not so soon.”

MAH’s Penang chairman, Khoo Boo Lim, said there has been no notable increase in hotel bookings.

“The market is difficult to anticipate in this situation. Some hotels offer various deals to attract tourists.

“But we have discovered that some are taking advantage of the situation to cheat tourists. I advise domestic tourists to book directly with the hotel or through registered websites.”

The Malaysian Insight previously reported that an MAH survey of 402 hotels found that 96% are complying with health and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The survey also showed low but consistent bookings for the coming months, and that demand will stabilise next year.

Northern Zone Tourist Bus Association chairman Ahmad Roslan Abd Latiff said tourists could end up footing the bill for social-distancing measures on buses.

“Our buses normally carry 44 people each. But with social distancing, one bus carries 22 people. We still have to pay for the bus and the driver. For example, from Penang, or to Kulim, the cost is RM150, but if only 22 people can be transported, the prices could double.

“I am worried that many people will not be keen to take up tourism packages in the near future.” – June 11, 2020.