| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Hotel update
Operators encouraged by east coast options as visitors head further afield
Malaysia’s sudden popularity has thankfully not inspired greed among hoteliers, and although next year’s prices have risen, the increase is minimal.Kuoni said a five-night package to Borneo would cost only £30 more next year compared with this year.
On peninsular Malaysia, the west coast resort of Penang is still the favourite with British visitors, with Langkawi following behind. Kuantan, a resort on the traditionally less popular east coast of Malaysia, has also seen a strong rise in business.
Premier Holidays said it had seen a 70% rise in bookings for Langkawi this year. Product manager David Carlaw said: “Langkawi has suddenly taken off. It offers some good medium and upmarket hotels and yet it has kept its prices reasonable for next year.”
Cresta has added Kuantan for next year. It is featuring the four-star Hyatt Regency, with prices from £625 for a seven-night package.
Operators have become more interested in the east coast of Malaysia since the reopening of the Tanjong Jara, a sister resort to the exclusive Pangkor Laut, which has helped lift the profile of the area. Beaches on the east coast are superior to those on the west, and its coastline less developed and more rugged but the severe weather changes on the east coast make it almost impossible to sell as a year-round destination.
John Peirano, manager of the Malaysia Experience which features several properties along the east coast said: “It is out from November to February because of the bad weather. But as the high season varies from the east to the west, it is good to feature both.”
But Tradewinds warned that a shortage of hotel beds would limit demand for the destination. Contracts manager Franco Sessini said: “Beds are a problem already along the west coast, particularly in Penang and Langkawi.”
Tanjong Jara: the reopening of the resort has spurred operators on