Malaysia beckons Indian visitors with lower rates, Ramadan traditions

Indian tourists in Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields precinct

With this year’s Ramadan – a traditional lean period for domestic travel in Malaysia – coinciding with the Indian peak summer travel in May and June, inbound players in the country have been quick to leverage the lower rates and traditions surrounding the fasting month to entice visitors from India.

Malaysia’s room rates for May and June are lower, pointed out Arokia Das, director, Luxury Tours Malaysia, thanks to weaker demand for domestic travel during this period.

The availability of off-season rates is partly why summer travel from the Indian market this year is better than in 2017, observed Rajiv Kapoor, general manager of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

Inbound agents are also taking advantage of Ramadan as well as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which follows the fasting month, to incorporate local festive elements into their tour itineraries.

Arokia shared that his company will include open house celebrations in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri for visitors to partake in the local festivities during this period.

Hidden Asia Travel & Tours is likewise running tours including Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur and Penang to give visitors “a feel of the local culture and festive mood”.

To commemorate Ramadan, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Langkawi International Convention Centre will offer buffet spreads for the breaking of fast, including an Indian vegetarian section to attract the Indian crowd, said Rajiv.

-TTG Asia.