JOHOR BARU: The upcoming friendly match between English Premier League giant Chelsea FC and the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club is expected to give Johor’s tourism sector a major boost.
Industry players said the match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) on Aug 11 would attract football fans from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teoh described Chelsea’s visit as a major draw due to the club’s massive global fan base.
“Chelsea supporters are not only in Malaysia but throughout the region. This could become one of Johor’s biggest sporting events this year,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Teoh said hotel operators were optimistic of increased bookings from local and foreign fans, especially in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri.
“There are more than 18,500 hotel rooms across Johor, with about 70% located in Johor Baru,” he said, adding that the event would also benefit restaurants, shopping malls and transport providers.
Teoh said that major international events such as football matches and concerts involving world-renowned teams and artistes should continue to be brought into Johor to strengthen the state’s tourism appeal.
Meanwhile, Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said Johor had already been attracting football tourists from countries such as Japan and South Korea, many of whom travelled specifically to watch JDT matches or visit the SSI, which has become one of the region’s iconic football venues.
Leong said JDT’s growing reputation through competitions such as the AFC Champions League Elite had helped position the club as a tourism ambassador for Johor.
“This time, having Chelsea come here will give Johor valuable exposure as a tourism destination, not only in England but globally as well,” he added.
Chelsea will return to Malaysia for the first time since 2013, when they face JDT in a pre-season friendly at SSI in Iskandar Puteri on Aug 11.
The match, organised by TEG Sport, is scheduled for an 8pm kick-off and is expected to draw a full house at the 34,000-capacity stadium.
