GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: The economic slowdown may have resulted in some belt tightening but it does not seem to have affected the number of holiday-makers flocking to Penang.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter president Marco Battistotti said the average hotel occupancy rate for international hotels here this year-end has in fact increased by 1% to 2% compared to 2007.
"For November and December, city hotels are recording 85% to 90% occupancy while beach hotels are registering 80% to 85% .
"We are confident that Penang will continue to attract tourists since it is a value-for-money destination," he said yesterday.
Battistotti said that hotels in Penang have not reviewed their rack rates this year despite the steep fuel hike earlier and the increase in electricity tariffs.
He said the Unesco World Heritage Site listing for George Town had also given foreigners more exposure on Penang.
Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa and Golden Sands Resort's director of communications Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said they were not feeling the pinch at the moment.
"Bookings for December are picking up and so far, those who made early reservations are still keeping their bookings," he said.
Suleiman said the resorts were expecting full occupancy in December.
City Bayview Hotel general manager Derrick Tan said the hotel recorded an occupancy rate of 75% to 80% this year.
"So far, we are doing reasonably well and we do not see a big problem with the current economy."
"We are quite optimistic with the rate this year but I dare not predict for 2009," he added.
