Hotel industry celebrates resilience

Yasmin (in red) and Teo (to her left) with MAHO council members during the association’s 25th anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

COLLABORATION and resilience have long been the formula for the hotel industry’s enduring success.

This was the key message at the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners’ (MAHO) 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Gala Dinner, where industry leaders, hoteliers and key figures from Malaysia’s tourism sector gathered to celebrate a quarter century of achievement.

MAHO president Tan Sri Teo Chiang Hong credited the association’s success to the strong partnerships forged over the years after revisiting the challenges and triumphs that shaped the hotel industry.

“Twenty-five years of resilience, perseverance and sustainable growth is indeed a milestone, which we could only have attained with the continuous strong support of all our members, partners and associates,” Teo said during the celebration at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The event’s theme of “Resilience” was especially relevant, following the hotel industry’s emergence from one of its most difficult periods.

Founded in March 1998 by its 13 pioneer members, MAHO now represents nearly 100 hotels.

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we had nearly 100 members, but the crisis caused us to lose about 20 hotels,” Teo said.

“However, we are back to almost 100 members today, with a hotel inventory of 20% of the market,” he added.

The gala dinner also served as a celebration of excellence within the industry, with special recognition given to individuals and brands for their contributions.

Teo says the association’s success can be attributed to strong partnerships forged over the years.

Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, who attended the event, emphasised the essential role that collaboration played in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“As an association that brings together the best minds and most committed players in the hotel industry, MAHO has been instrumental in shaping the hospitality landscape of Malaysia,” she said.

She called hotels “cornerstones” of the tourism industry as they supported the local economy as well as created employment opportunities.

“As one of the largest investors in the tourism sector, hotels are instrumental in sustaining the industry’s progress and ensuring Malaysia remains a top destination for global travellers,” she said.

During the event, Teo also shared encouraging data that reflected the industry’s recovery.

“In the first half of 2024, we saw a significant surge in tourist arrivals, reaching 11.8 million – a 28.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

“While still below pre-pandemic levels, this growth is indicative of our resilience,” Teo said.

Despite these positive signs, both Teo and Yasmin highlighted the need for the industry to adapt to evolving demands of modern travellers.

With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, both Teo and Yasmin expressed confidence in the hotel industry’s ability to continue driving Malaysia’s tourism growth.

On the industry’s outlook, Yasmin said the industry was poised to achieve the target of 27.3 million tourists this year, with an expected receipt of RM102.7bil.