MELAKA: Hoteliers want the next Melaka government to clear all the barriers to tourism growth, starting with cutting down on traffic congestion and providing greater support for hotels beyond the city centre.
Shah Beach Resort general manager Dennis Samford said easing heavy traffic around Klebang would help encourage holidaymakers to stay at hotels located on the coast.
“Hoteliers like me hope to see the heavy traffic issue addressed to encourage holidaymakers to spend their weekends at hotels along the coast,” he said.
Samford also hoped the incoming administration would bring more government events to hotels located further from the heart of the historic city, helping them secure a greater share of business.
Bayou Lagoon Park Resort managing director Datuk Marco Seow said licensed hotels needed support to cope with rising operating costs and workforce challenges, alongside stronger tourism promotion and more large-scale events.
He called for tighter regulation and enforcement against unlicensed operators.
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“The issue of unlicensed or unauthorised short-term rental operators should be addressed, especially in maintaining industry standards, guest safety and fair competition with licensed hotels,” he said.
Seow said addressing the issue would help sustain the hospitality industry over the long term.
Ames Hotel director of operations Shaifulbahri Ismail urged the new state government to lift an earlier restriction on government bodies holding training programmes and seminars in hotels.
He said the state administration should actively encourage public agencies to support hotels.
Shaifulbahri also called for more active engagement between the Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Melaka chapter and local industry players.
Dusit Princess Melaka general manager Richard Suter said stronger destination marketing, better air connectivity and closer cooperation between the state government and tourism operators should be prioritised.
He called for direct flights to Melaka International Airport and further development of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector.
“We should also encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of the historic city,” he said.
Suter said hotels could contribute through attractive packages and loyalty programmes that encourage repeat visits and direct bookings.
