JOHOR BARU: The Johor hospitality industry is bracing itself for a spike in demand for occupancy as well as food and beverage operations by patrons celebrating Chinese New Year which falls on Feb 12-13.
The industry, as with every other domestic economic sector has seen a slump in its bussiness since March last year when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed by the government to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The slump eased somewhat from June to late September due to the standard operation procedures (SOP) effectiveness in combating the pandemic.
However, a surge in Covid-19 cases from October onwards, with the resultant re-imposition of various MCOs in different parts of the country, slowed a nascent revival of business.
But now with Chinese New Year on the horizon, the sap is flowing back into the veins of the hospitality industry, especially in Johor, with room and dinner bookings picking up in anticipation of the festive season.
Ng Siew Koon, chief executive officer (CEO) of Suasana Suites Hotel, said that there has been "an escalation of interest in the menu and promotions" offered by the hotel.
"This interest in the form of room and reunion dinner bookings is mainly from Johorians who are working in other states in the country, particularly in the Federal Territory," said Ng.
"Of course, the reunion dinners are being scaled down from the 10 to a table to fewer seats per social distancing rules," she id.
"Nevertheless, from the enquiries and bookings thus far, there appears to be a spike in demand for room and our dining facilities," she said.
Ng said her hotel was offering special rates and promotions until March 2021, in line with the Tourism Ministry's emphasis on promotion of domestic tourism.
"We make our presence aware on social media by offering special rates and interesting restaurant promotions. We are also pushing on ranking and ratings on social media and OTA (Online Travel Agency) platforms," she said.
Yeo Siu Ling, general manager of Grand Paragon Hotel, said to attract domestic travellers, her hotel has tweaked promotions to entice potential guests with special room rates but has provided value added offers such as packaged-in set lunch or set hi-tea.
She said bookings for the reunion dinner was "encouraging though not overwhelming" because it was mainly from its corporate clients.
"Families are not that keen to come because of the pandemic but nearer to the day, we may see a surge in demand," she said.
She stressed that most people will grab the special discount offered by most hotels, adding that "they have more money to spend locally as they are not able to travel overseas."
With its famed dining facilities, the Ponderosa Golf and Country Resort (PGCR) is being realistic about its chances of attracting guests for the reunion dinner.
"We know that families prefer to cook for themselves especially in these pandemic times when they are wary about going out," said Yvonne Loh, the PGCR's marketing communications consultant.
"So we have made available Yee Sang for takeaways or delivery. Yee Sang is a must for the Chinese during Chinese New Year and is quite a hassle to prepare, hence PGCR will provide these at two sizes: RM38 Nett for 4 to 6 persons and RM68 Nett for 8 to 10 persons," she said.
Yvonne said the focus at PGCR during CNY was on golf tourism which is why "we have made available special Play & Stay rates.
"We collaborate with partners such as Klook and interested hotels to make playing golf at Ponderosa more accessible. Our rates are also competitive and we have many expatriates who enjoy playing here," she added.