More Indonesian visitors expected in Malaysia after Hari Raya

Malaysian inbound tour agencies are projecting a rise in post-Hari Raya business from the Indonesian market.

Agencies that TTG Asia e-Daily interviewed predicted business to be better than last year, with the weakened ringgit driving demand. Pent-up demand is also fuelling travel, as some had held back their plans to holiday last year due to Indonesia’s general election.

Nanda Kumar, managing director of Hidden Asia Travel & Tours, said he is anticipating a 10 per cent increase in business events travel to Malaysia this year, with five bookings already confirmed.

He expects a pick up in leisure family travel as well, with Genting, Kuala Lumpur and Legoland Malaysia in Johor Bahru being favourite destinations.

Arokia Das, senior manager, Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “This year, post-Raya will definitely be stronger than last year. We expect leisure business to increase by at least 35 per cent year-on-year during the Lebaran holiday and MICE by at least 18 per cent post-Raya.

“Cheap airfares, a growing middle class, and direct connectivity from major cities such as Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya are driving business.”

Kimberley Khoo, deputy inbound manager at Skyzone Tours & Travel, said she has a few confirmed incentive bookings in August and had received requests for proposals for September and October.

Both Khoo and Das said that Kuala Lumpur remains a key destination for MICE, followed by Johor Bahru twinned with Singapore.

-TTG Asia.