As sector reopens, tour operators adapt to new norm
KUALA LUMPUR: Local tour operators are adapting to the new normal.
They are focusing on engagement via social media; relying on the return of their regular customers and collaborating with other operators to roll out domestic tour packages.
Since the government lifted the interstate travel ban, Norhaslina Mohd Noor has had her hands full with bookings from new and regular customers planning to travel to Penang and Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
The Fairy Holiday Sdn Bhd managing director said she had secured about 300 bookings since the company posted a promotion on its Facebook page on June 10 to stay at a resort chain located in these two states.
“The Lexis Hotel Group has reached out to us for a collaboration.
“Those interested can make reservations with us for the resorts in Penang and Port Dickson. The promotion price starts from RM180 per night for the standard room to RM450 per night for the villa.
“The response we have been receiving is overwhelming as I am receiving bookings today (June 14) being the last day of the promotion.
“Those who have made their bookings are attracted by the facilities offered by the resorts, especially the availability of private pools,” she told the New Straits Times.
She said the resorts would conduct temperature screenings on guests while they were in their vehicles upon arrival to prevent overcrowding at the lobby.
On concerns regarding travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, she said most of the concerns that were raised were related to travel plans.
She said her agency would check with the hotels and resorts on the safety measures taken against Covid-19.
Norhaslina added that her agency would put together more local packages as there were rising interests for island tours, such as to Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman and Pulau Perhentian.
KTNB Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd corporate travel specialist Muhamad Faizal Padil said it had been getting requests for honeymoon packages to Langkawi, family tours to Cameron Highlands and holiday packages to Sabah and Sarawak.
“But the travel dates are mostly from September onwards as early bookings will be cheaper.”
He said some new customers preferred to make booking face-to-face instead of online.
“We encourage them to book online as it is easier and safer.”
Majestic Travel KL owner Farah Naina Mohamed said there were still those who were not keen to travel due to the pandemic.
“I have been getting calls from customers asking if it is fine to travel now as they need assurance, but most of them are not ready to travel yet.
“Many want to travel abroad and they want to know if the countries of their choice will allow Malaysians to enter.
“Some have asked if they need to undergo Covid-19 screening before travelling,” she said, adding that her company would be looking into offering travel packages to Sabah and Sarawak.
Source: NST
