Our beaches up against some stiff competition

“Business has surely picked up but it has not reached pre-pandemic levels yet,” Haziz said.

“Competition from places like Phuket and Pattaya in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam is not helping us either but we remain optimistic,” he said.

He said many of the bigger hotels were doing better than the smaller ones or budget accommodation as they had operations overseas and were able to attract foreigners.

“The bigger ones also have full facilities like swimming pools, meeting rooms, gyms and coffee houses,” he said.

Lexis Hotel Group president Prof Datuk Mandy Chew Siok Cheng said they anticipate strong demand for the year-end holidays until Chinese New Year.

However, Chew said to boost tourism in Port Dickson, authorities could invest more in marketing campaigns.

“Additionally, offering incentives such as promotional packages, discounts or exclusive local experiences could further entice tourists to Port Dickson,” she said.

Negri Sembilan Budget Hotels Association head Suresh Armugam said the outlook for the budget sector was not as rosy.

He said business has not been good in recent months with members registering occupancy below 50%.

“Occupancy should have started going up in September and October. Our members in PD are not getting full occupancy during the weekends,” he said.

“The authorities need to do more. Years ago, there was a proposal to set up a duty-free zone in Port Dickson but nothing has been done,” he said.