Property tourism can be a shot-in-the-arm for ailing tourism industry

THE roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine sends a glimmer of hope to Malaysia’s tourism industry which has been significantly impacted by border closures and movement control order (MCO) measures.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia welcomed a mere 4.29 million tourists between January to September 2020 – a 78.6% decrease from the previous corresponding period.

In order to enable the nation’s tourism industry to regain its lost glitter, the Government must therefore play a pivotal role to encourage and support property tourism initiatives spearheaded by local property players.

After all, property tourism can exponentially contribute to the tourism industry, according to founder and chairman of Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd Datuk Leong Sir Ley.

“This will provide a much-needed jump-start to an industry that has remained relatively dormant for more than one year because of the global pandemic,” the owner of the diversified property group pointed out.

Datuk Leong Sir Ley

“With borders expected to re-open soon, the property and tourism industries must be prepared to hit-the-ground-running as there is a lot of lost ground to catch up to. Property tourism can be a platform that kills two birds with one stone.”

A pioneer in the property tourism industry in Malaysia, Sheng Tai International has since 2012 brought over 50,000 people from China including Hong Kong, and Japan to visit the historical city of Melaka.

In addition to providing the very best experience that the historical city has to offer, Sheng Tai also leverages such visits to showcase its property offerings in the state.

These include MetraSquare, Ames Hotel, Regalia Beachfront Residence and The Sail, Sheng Tai’s flagship RM6.5 bil development that is slated to be the future central business district (CBD) of Melaka.

“Our property tourism initiative has also generated a positive multiplier effect to Melaka’s economy,” Leong shared her personal experience.

“After the wonderful exposure, our participants will return home and tell their family and friends about it and we hear that many have returned in larger groups to visit Melaka.”

To illustrate her confidence on the potential of the property tourism industry, Leong expects Sheng Tai International to bring in a total of 8,000 participants on an annual basis once the border re-opens and people are allowed to travel,

“Our developments have progressed significantly over the year. We have formed strategic partnerships with global brands like FashionTV, IWG and Memorigin, to set up new and unique establishments that are new to Southeast Asia and Malaysia,” she revealed.

“In view of this, Sheng Tai International would like to recommend that Federal and State Governments collaborate to encourage more property players to embrace property tourism through matching grants, financial assistance as well as multinational advertising and promotional activities.

Leong added: “We believe that the property and the tourism sector can leverage on each other in a mutually beneficial manner.” – Mar 8, 2021

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