PETALING JAYA: Resort hotels are seeing stronger bookings ahead of the upcoming long holiday break with some properties recording occupancy rates above 90% during peak weekends.
Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Cs Lim said domestic travel continues to underpin the hotel industry, particularly in leisure destinations, although overall bookings for the extended holiday period remain softer.
Several public holidays including Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday overlap with the school holidays from May 22 to June 6 – a period when domestic travel typically drives hotel demand across key leisure destinations.
“Resort hotels are performing better. On certain peak days, especially over the weekends, some hotels are already seeing occupancy rates above 90%.
“Generally, many hotels are recording occupancy of around 60% to 80%,” he said.
Lim said there is still potential for last-minute domestic travel demand to pick up.
“Malaysians usually book closer to travel dates.”
Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said hotel bookings in kampung areas, particularly along the east coast are expected to surge as Malaysians return to their hometowns.
He said Terengganu and Kelantan are expected to see higher occupancy while smaller towns in Johor are also recording improved bookings.
“People are expected to start travelling back from next week with many extending their stay until the weekend,” he said, adding that holidays were increasingly viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Ganesh estimated occupancy in kampung areas could rise by 30% to 40% with some hotels already reaching about 80% occupancy.
“Many families now see travel as an important part of maintaining family bonding, mental well-being and work-life balance.
“Domestic tourism demand is expected to remain strong despite more conservative spending habits,” he said.
Malaysia Cruise Industry Association deputy president Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said regional cruise holidays were becoming more attractive as consumers cut back on spend- ing.
“With the current Middle East conflict, oil supply concerns and inflationary pressures, customers are trying to spend less.
“Lower disposable income is making regional cruise holidays more popular,” he said.
Koh added that cruise operators continued maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards despite concerns over infectious disease outbreaks aboard ships.
“Cruise ships remain very safe as operators have strict SOPs and precautionary measures in place,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) urged travellers to monitor the latest updates from their airlines.
With increased passenger traffic expected, travellers should check flight status regularly, arrive early at airports, ensure contact details are updated and carry all necessary travel documents.
CAAM also reminded passengers of their rights under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code, including assistance or refunds for long delays, rerouting or refunds for cancellations and major schedule changes.
