By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: Tourists visit Perak to eat and drink but stay overnight in other states, posing a key challenge to boosting the state’s tourism industry.
Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman YB Loh Sze Yee said a shortage of accommodation rooms was among the factors preventing tourists from staying longer in the state.
He said the situation also affected support from the Federal Government, particularly allocations, as the number of available accommodation rooms in a state was taken into account.
“The main problem in Perak is that tourists come here to eat and drink, but they sleep in other states.
“For example, tourists from the south stop in Perak during the day but spend the night in Penang. Likewise, tourists from the north heading south stop in Perak during the day but spend the night in Kuala Lumpur,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of Dusit Princess Ipoh here last Wednesday.
Also present were Tourism Perak Management Berhad chief executive officer Suhaimi Abu Hassan Shari and Dusit International Group chief executive officer Chanin Donavanik.
Loh said the state government was now focusing on increasing quality accommodation facilities while strengthening connectivity infrastructure, including rail, ferry, road and air services.
“Tourists have different needs. Some have limited budgets, particularly those travelling in groups and with families, while others seek greater comfort and better accommodation.
“We can see that the hotel industry in Perak, particularly in Ipoh, is growing with the entry of international hotel chains,” he said.
The opening of Dusit Princess Ipoh, located next to the Perak Turf Club and less than a five-minute drive from the city centre, marks Dusit International’s third branded hotel in Malaysia.
Loh said the entry of the international brand also introduced a Thai-inspired hospitality concept that could offer visitors a different experience without having to travel to Thailand.
He said facilities such as spas, massages, food and staycation packages would allow locals, including those from Ipoh and elsewhere in Perak, to enjoy a similar experience.
“If you look at the situation now, traffic congestion when entering Thailand can take up to four hours, and another four hours to exit.
“So, why not just come here and enjoy a similar holiday experience more conveniently?” he said.
Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering an opening rate from RM230 per night, including RM50 daily food and beverage credit for stays between October 1 and December 31, 2026, subject to terms and conditions.
