It’s not abig deal to us, say tourists

GEORGE TOWN: Foreign tourists are unlikely to feel the pinch of the RM10 tourism tax proposed by the Tourism and Culture Ministry.

Singaporean tourist K.K. Wong said compared to the RM260 charged per night at the three-star hotel he is staying in, RM10 was “miniscule”.

“Taking into consideration the exchange rate, the tax is very reasonable,” said Wong, who is here on a three-day holiday in Penang, which has imposed a RM3 local government fee on all hotel guests since 2014.

British sisters Hannah and Sophie Rashad felt the tax was negligible and would not seriously affect their travel budget.

“We spend a lot of time staying in both budget hotels and guest houses, and I doubt we will even notice the RM10 tax.

“My sister and I love Penang and we don’t really mind paying the amount, even if we stay longer,” said Hannah, 24.

But Australian Greg Pritchirt, 56, who is staying in a budget hotel, said RM10 could make a difference to tourists on a shoestring budget.

“There are tourists who pay RM80 to RM100 a day or less in certain hotels or guesthouses, and RM10 could have an effect on their budget.

“I personally would feel the pinch if I stay here long-term,” Pritchirt said.