Hoteliers in Melaka have called on the incoming state government to remove obstacles hindering tourism development, emphasizing the need to reduce traffic congestion and extend support to hotels outside the city center. Industry leaders stress that addressing these issues is critical to fostering growth in the local travel sector.

Dennis Samford, general manager of Shah Beach Resort, highlighted the heavy traffic around the Klebang area as a major deterrent for tourists considering coastal hotels. He suggested that alleviating congestion in this region would encourage more holidaymakers to spend their weekends at hotels along the coast, thereby diversifying tourism beyond Melaka’s historic core.

In addition, Samford urged the new state administration to consider hosting more government events at hotels located away from the city center. Such measures, he said, would help these establishments capture a larger share of the hospitality market.

Datuk Marco Seow, managing director of Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, pointed to rising operating costs and workforce shortages as significant challenges for licensed hotels. He advocated for stronger promotion of Melaka as a destination alongside support for large-scale events, which could drive higher occupancy and revenue.

Seow also underscored the need for tighter regulation and enforcement actions against unlicensed short-term rental operators. He warned that the presence of such unauthorized accommodations threatens guest safety, compromises industry standards, and undermines fair competition with established hotels. Addressing these issues, he said, is vital to maintaining the sustainability of the hospitality sector in Melaka.

Shaifulbahri Ismail, director of operations at Ames Hotel, urged the government to rescind previous restrictions on public agencies holding training programs and seminars at hotels. He called on the new administration to actively encourage government bodies to utilize hotel facilities, which would provide a stable source of business for the industry. Shaifulbahri also recommended enhanced collaboration between the Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Melaka chapter and other local stakeholders to better align their efforts.

Richard Suter, general manager of Dusit Princess Melaka, stressed the importance of strategic destination marketing and improved air connectivity to attract more visitors. He advocated for the introduction of direct flights to Melaka International Airport and further development of the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector to position the state as a business tourism hub.

Suter also emphasized encouraging visitors to extend their stays and explore more of Melaka’s historic sites. He noted that hotels could aid this effort by offering attractive packages and loyalty programs aimed at boosting repeat visits and direct bookings.

Collectively, these proposals reflect a consensus among Melaka’s hotel operators that coordinated public and private sector efforts are necessary to reinvigorate the state’s tourism industry amid evolving market challenges.