Homestay Tourism Landscape in Malaysia (2017)
My nation, Malaysia. Our nation progresses and rapid development shapes the landscape of our country, inevitably people are travelling from one place to another to work, study or just for leisure resulting in a burgeoning tourism sector.
With the strengthening influx of travellers into Malaysia, the nation is focusing on presenting itself as a diverse tourist attraction that offers world class attractions such as culture and heritage, ecotourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), shopping, international events and medical tourism, which presents visitors from all over the world a plethora of choices to enjoy.
The tourism sector has been recognised by the government as a major source of revenue and a catalyst for the Malaysian economic renaissance.
Ten years ago in 2006, tourist arrivals into Malaysia was 17.5 million and it has increase to 26.7 million on year 2016 (increase by 52.6% ), while its tourism receipts/value increased to MYR82.1 billion in 2016 compared with MYR36.3 billion in 2006 (value increases by MYR 45.8 billion).
Realising this potential, the government, through various initiatives under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) has mapped out a set of deliverables for the Tourism Ministry in order to stimulate sustainable tourism as the nation races to achieve its high-income status by 2020.
Penang, is one of the main contributors in this sector.
Penang’s alluring charms and unique attributes together with its many-faceted cultures make it a favourite of many as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
The fascinating culture is complemented by golden beaches and tranquil seas.
It is truly a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from historical buffs and nature park enthusiasts to those just wanting to relax on a sun-drenched beach.
The easy going lifestyle on Penang is a result of the melting pot of cultures, religions and food.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in particular, is a total fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, evidence of which is apparent everywhere, from cuisine to architecture.
With the increasing number of Airbnb Homestay operators in Penang, it has its benefits in terms of creating more selection for avid travellers & risks in terms of over crowded supply of homestays & price wars.
(Example of Clean, Tidy & Bright House)
Still, I believe the strongest selling point for your homestay lies in:
1. Hospitality
2. Home Condition/ Comfort
3. Location/ Convenience
When we know we are strong in our hospitality, we must not compromise on the quality or our products and services such as the safety, cleanliness, and comfortability we offer to the guest who stay with us.
In economic aspects, homestays stimulates a ripple-effect to the Penang's tourism sector. Increasing homestays not only allows homestay operators to gain additional income from un-occupied homes. Others can also earn money through the economic spin offs from other nearby homestay business such as opening food stalls to attract people to buy, hence giving the locals an opportunity to earn a living. When you put things together, everybody will have the opportunity to earn money
For those who are interested to tap into this Homestay industry.
"Homestay is a business by itself and it is not easy to manage it."
If you are ready to promote your homestay globally using Airbnb, you must be ready to deliver the very best to the overseas guests who will come and stay with you. You need to be prepared to commit yourself to the business. Or you could choose BnB Helpers Malaysia to manage your property or provide homestay services such as Check-in/out, Cleaning, Laundry & such.
Prepared & Written by: BnB Helpers Malaysia (Admin)
