GEORGE TOWN: Durians are a big hit in the ongoing Malaysia Mega Sales Campaign 2025, so much so that hotels are partnering with farmers to offer special stay packages.
These packages can include special room rates, 50% discounts on durian buffets and exclusive visits to durian farms.
Gurney Bay general manager Benny Chung said the hotel has partnered with the Penang Fruit Farmers Association to offer a three-day-two-night stay package that includes a free one-hour durian buffet.
He said the buffet will be from 11am to 11pm at a stall outside the hotel in Gurney Drive and features the popular Musang King, Black Thorn and Red Prawn varieties.
“This is the first time we are promoting such a package, and the response has been very good,” said Chung.
Cititel is offering a similar promotion, where guests can enjoy a two-hour “all-you-can-eat” durian buffet.
“The timing is just right. The durian season is here and the mega sale campaign helps draw more interest,” said the hotel’s sales director Quah Lin Lin.
Organised by Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard, the mega sales event is part of the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
It features over 100 partners and more than 150 activities across sectors like retail, wellness, hospitality and travel.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said hotels were urged to join the sales campaign.
“It is a good opportunity to tie tourism products like durians with promotional efforts,” he said.
Tour operator George Ong from 88Holidays said that more bookings were being received from hotels to take guests to durian farms.
Separately, Northern Region Tourism Malaysia Penang director Abdul Hadi Che Man said 11 malls were taking part in this year’s mega sales campaign, which began on June 20 and will go on until July 31.
“These malls have been consistent participants since 2011. The campaign gives businesses a chance to push for a better second quarter sales performance,” he said.
Kompleks Bukit Jambul general manager Crystal Wong said 54 outlets in the mall were taking part in the campaign.
“Weekends have been busy with shoppers looking for good deals. Our outlets are recording higher sales,” she said.
Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall general manager Peter Chan said the campaign came at an opportune time for the retail market.
