MALACCA: The state needs another 2,800 rooms of various types to accommodate tourists’ need on weekends.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said due to influx of both local and foreign tourists, more hotels are needed in the state.
"The state government is concerned with the insufficient amount of hotels in the state to meet the rising number of tourists frequenting Malacca.
"I've previously received complaints from some 20 guests who had to sleep in their cars after failing to make a hotel reservation as all hotels were fully occupied," he said to a press conference after launching Rivero Boutique Hotel in Taman 1 Lagenda here today.
Idris said there were 200 hotels and 21 resorts throughout the state, capable of offering 9,500 rooms to visitors in Malacca.
"However, the figure is not enough because there is a high demand for lodging facilities since we are receiving more than 600,000 domestic and foreign visitors annually," he said, adding that the population in the state in weekends would double to 1.5million people from only 870,000 residents on weekdays.
"We need more hoteliers who are willing to invest in setting up hotels here," added Idris.
Also present at the launch was the hotel's chairman, Datuk Yunus Rahmat.
Idris said the latest boutique hotel has 33 various types’ rooms with the rate starting from RM79 onwards per night.
"I believe the addition of 33 rooms in the state would contribute tremendously to the state's tourism sector," he said.