With Chinese tourists shunning Japan and Thailand’s Hat Yai, Malaysia’s Penang state is poised for a year-end tourism bonanza.
Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hong Wai said Indonesians and Singaporeans, along with Malaysians who normally prefer Hat Yai, are expected to redirect their holiday plans to the state.
“December is traditionally one of the busiest periods, coinciding with the school holidays in both Malaysia and Singapore, and the Christmas and new year festive break.
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“There is already a rise in hotel occupancy and this momentum is expected to continue.
“We have a packed calendar of events, including the Penang Bridge International Marathon on December 14 and the Penang Chingay Parade on December 20, which always draw strong local and foreign participation,” he said.
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According to reports, Chinese tourists cancelled their trips to Japan due to a worsening diplomatic row between both countries.