PEOPLE are all fired-up to travel and discover new places again after many countries, including Malaysia, relaxed lockdown restrictions.
“We’re seeing pent-up demand for travel as people are looking forward to travelling again to discover new places, to connect or for the wheels of business to continue to turn.
“History shows us that travel will return and we have already seen growing demand in Malaysia since May.
“With restrictions easing across South East Asia (SEA), we are also seeing stronger domestic leisure demand as people enjoy staycations and small meetings. Weddings are coming back too,” InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) SEA & Korea director Rajit Sukumaran told FocusM.
Last week, the Malaysian Government lifted conditional movement control order (CMCO) restrictions on many parts of the country, excluding Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah where COVID-19 cases are still surging.
Following the matter, several companies including budget airliner AirAsia took up the opportunity to offer bargain deals for those who want to travel domestically.
Malaysia Airline Systems (MAS) former head of flight safety Capt Kamil Abu Bakar also told FocusM last week that travel will start again once the pandemic subsides and the travel industry, especially airliners, should be prepared for it.
Patrons’ safety paramount
Having confidence in Malaysia’s tourism industry, Rajit said IHG plans to triple its number of hotels locally in the next five years.
“We’re aiming to triple the size of our estate in Malaysia in the next five years to build on our relationship with this beautiful, must-visit nation,” he noted.
“We are already rejuvenating our IHG portfolio in the country by opening new hotels, such as the flagship Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre last month and we look forward to more.”
Currently, IHG has four hotels across three of its brands in Malaysia and is projecting to extend the figure to more than 14 hotels across six brands.
IHG SEA & Korea vice president Serena Lim said they would be focused on the mainstream hotel segment to boost growth.
“Mainstream travelling is proving to be the most resilient to the pandemic crisis around the world and it’s where we are seeing occupancy levels rebuild the fastest,” she said.
However, IHG is not taking anything for granted as it would continue to enforce strict standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety of its patrons.
Rajit added the hotel chain had launched IHG Clean Promise in June by enhancing its IHG Way of Clean programme to combine knowledge and process with cutting edge expertise from specialists including Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey.
“Next year, guests can look forward to memorable and safe stay experiences at our hotels. They will also have the opportunity to stay in our flagship Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre which opened in October,” he remarked.
“And not to forget, our soon to open Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre as well as Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Johor Bahru and Penang mainland.” – Dec 10, 2020.
