Low Overnight Stays Make It Hard For Perak To Attract International Hotels, Assembly Told

IPOH, April 21 (Bernama) -- The low number of tourists staying overnight in Perak is making it difficult for the state government to attract internationally branded hotels or those rated four stars and above to operate in the state, the state legislative assembly was told today.

Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the state government has been working on developing boutique hotels in Perak.

He said several boutique hotels are already operating in Ipoh, adding that such establishments cater well to tourists seeking good-quality accommodation and sleep.

“Many tourists do not need five-star, six-star or seven-star hotels...what they want is a comfortable and clean place to sleep, clean toilets, clean beds and so on. So in this case, boutique hotels are just right for the market,” he said when replying to a question from Wong Chai Yi (PH-Simpang Pulai). 

However, Loh said the state government also needed internationally, regionally or locally branded high-end hotels to further boost tourism in Perak by encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more.

Based on the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) website, boutique hotels must have at least 10 rooms or 50 beds, and offer friendly, personalised and luxurious services with unique and distinctive concepts and designs.

Such hotels are capable of attracting niche tourists seeking different and special accommodation experiences to meet their individual preferences.

-- BERNAMA