MELAKA: Hotels are sweetening the trip home for Melaka voters with discounted stays, dining deals and other offers ahead of Saturday’s state election.
Some are also extending checkout times, giving outstation voters more time to cast their ballots, while an inked index finger will unlock discounts at restaurants and leisure attractions.
MITC Hotel in Ayer Keroh is seeing strong demand, with general manager Ahmad Sazali Sabri saying occupancy had reached 70% during the election period.
He expected the figure to rise further by tomorrow.
Hatten Hotels Worldwide group general manager Datuk Chuck Kassim said the rise in business for his hotels had been driven mainly by the extended Deepavali weekend and nationwide school holidays.
“These factors significantly boost domestic travel and leisure demand, resulting in a substantial increase in occupancy and overall business activity,” he said.
Kassim said election activity was expected to provide a further boost as political parties mobilised supporters, delegates and ground teams, generating additional demand for accommodation and hospitality services.
Bayou Lagoon Park Resort managing director Datuk Marco Seow said its “Stay Melaka” package was aimed at candidates, campaign teams, supporters and voters returning to the state.
However, he said occupancy had not risen sharply, with a wider choice of accommodation spreading demand across more operators.
“Melaka now has a large supply of hotels, serviced apartments and short-term rental accommodation and competition is therefore much greater compared to previous election periods,” he said.
Shah Beach Resort general manager Dennis Samford said promotional room rates and a late checkout were being offered to returning voters from Nov 9 to 16.
“We are also offering restaurant discounts and free parking to locals who show the indelible ink on their index finger,” he said.
