Tourism in Penang takes a hit during Hari Raya holidays

Empty lanes: Only a handful of visitors are seen at the Penang Hill lower station during school holidays after Hari Raya in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The tourism industry in Penang experienced a downturn during Hari Raya, as numerous hotels indicated occupancy rates falling below 50%.

Although the festive celebration coincided with a Sunday and a subsequent week-long school holiday, tourism industry players described the situation as possibly the “worst ever” due to the significant decline in visitors.