The Malaysian Homestay Entrepreneurs Association (MHEA), in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, recently held the inaugural Homestay Tourism Showcase (HOTAS) 2025 in Indonesia.
This initiative aims to boost Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Homestay Year 2025, with a goal of attracting 25,000 Indonesian visitors to Malaysian homestays this year.
Historically, Malaysian homestays were not heavily promoted in Indonesia due to perceived cultural similarities. However, Tourism Malaysia now recognises the unique appeal of their homestay programme, which emphasises host family experiences, traditional village life, and authentic local activities.
Sahariman bin Hamdan, president of MHEA, said: “This programme is not just an ordinary tourism promotion. This is (to strengthen the) close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia in fostering regional sustainable tourism.”
Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus, deputy director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, said that Tourism Malaysia usually introduces the homestay programme to countries in Japan and Europe. She added that over time, they felt the need to promote it in Indonesia, despite the cultural similarities, because the mechanism is different. She explained that the programme uses a host family approach, with village food and traditional village activities, which they are developing as new products specifically for Indonesia.
Malaysia is offering 99 new homestay programmes tailored for Indonesian tourists, covering diverse interests such as educational tourism, ecotourism, cultural immersion, history, nature, and adventure. These packages specifically target Indonesian travellers seeking experiences beyond typical city tours.
With 223 homestays across all 13 Malaysian states, visitors have a wide array of options, according to Siti. Homestay packages range from day trips to overnight stays, with prices starting at 150,000 rupiah (US$10) per person.
At the table-top session, TTG Asia found Pelegong Homestay in Negeri Sembilan provides packages starting at 80 ringgit (US$18) for a day visit and 200 ringgit for a two-day, one-night stay, including meals and activities such as traditional dance and village tours. Kuala Medang Homestay in Pahang offers activities like boat cruises, rafting, fishing, and traditional crafts.
HOTAS 2025 is projected to generate five million ringgit in revenue from events held in Jakarta, Bogor, and Pekanbaru.
The MHEA is actively seeking strong partnerships with Indonesian travel agents to continuously promote and import these 99 new packages.
Indonesian travel agents TTG Asia spoke with view the Malaysian homestay programme as an attractive option for tourists seeking authenticity.
Ricky Hilton, general manager of communication and CRM at Golden Rama Tours & Travel, noted its particular appeal to Gen Z and millennials who desire a “living like a local” experience.
However, Febriansyah, owner of Fantastik Tour and Travel Kepulauan
Riau, suggested that Malaysia needs to further adapt its packages to cater to
Indonesian tourists’ pragmatic and budget-conscious nature, emphasising the
need for unique destinations and attractions.
-TTG Asia.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.