Premier meets demand for Malaysia packages

2001 asia brochure

Premier meets demand for Malaysia packages

Report by STEVEJONES

RISING hotels rates in Thailand and the political turmoil in Indonesia has prompted Premier Holidays to expand its programme to Malaysia in 2001.

Launching its 2001 Asia brochure, the operator said the destination had seen an increase in bookings this year due to troubles elsewhere in the area.

Long-haul product director Rob Haynes said: “Two factors which may have benefited Malaysia were the well documented problems in Indonesia, which saw a move away from Lombok and Bali, plus increasing hotel rates in Thailand’s beach resorts. Malaysia came into its own this year.”

The beach resort of Langkawi has seen particular growth, he added.

Sales to Thailand remained static on last year – which Premier claimed was the first time in years it has not seen growth – while sales to Bali and Lombok were hit by the unrest.

“However, forward bookings seem to indicate returning confidence,” said Haynes.

“Should the much-needed political stability continue, bookings look set to achieve last year’s levels.”

Prices in the programme include £820 per person for seven nights’ room only, combining Kuala Lumpur and Bali.

New to the brochure are Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Both have been added as an add-on to Bangkok or as part of a 19-day grand Indochina tour which combines Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Haynes said Vietnam has been given greater prominence in the brochure to reflect its “immense potential.”

He also predicted that Hong Kong’s recovery would continue despite hoteliers raising prices by 7%-12%.