JOHOR tourism players are expecting a busy period next month with the end-of-school year holidays from Feb 17 to March 18.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Johor chairman K. Subramaniam said 30% to 40% increase in tourist arrivals was expected in the state during that period.
“We will see more tourists, especially locals, coming to Johor during the month-long holidays.
“This is because during the long weekend for Chinese New Year, which fell on Jan 22, not many locals from outside Johor travelled because of the heavy traffic,” he told StarMetro.
Subramaniam said Tourism Johor had been actively promoting the state’s attractions to woo foreign tourists as well.
Johor Tourist Guides Association president Jimmy Leong said domestic tourism in the state had become a success story of its own.
Johor has plenty to offer, especially to families, with its world-class attractions at affordable prices, he said.
“Previously, during long school holidays, many Malaysians preferred going to Singapore but now with the stronger Singapore dollar, Johor has become their main place to visit.
“Over the years, there have been many improvements and upgrades to our public facilities and tourism products, which have helped attract more domestic tourists.
“We have Desaru Coast, Legoland Malaysia Resort and the new Sungai Pulai bridge which shortens travelling time between Johor Baru and Tanjung Piai,” he added. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
