Besides using it as a time-saving measure, more Malaysians are veering towards personalised holidays to keep their families safe and secure in small tour groups, said travel groups.

Malaysian Tourism Council president Uzaidi Udanis said tourists were now seeking to travel in smaller groups following the lifting of the interstate travel ban.

“There are fewer large tour groups and tour buses at attractions. There is a trend nowadays of families or small groups of people travelling together instead of large groups,” he said in an interview.

Uzaidi, who is also Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president, said this was because travelling in smaller groups would save more time, especially for those seeking to go on brief weekend holidays.

“Also, travelling in a smaller tour group or with family gives a better sense of safety. This is because of the lower risk of exposure to infections compared to being in close contact with strangers in a large group,” he said.

Malacca Tourism Association president Madelina Kuah said there were those who wanted to enjoy a more personalised holiday experience in small tour groups.

“One will have more free time in a smaller group compared to travelling in a large group during which one is bound by fixed schedules and itineraries,” she said.

Smaller tour groups, she added, would also be better exposed to the finer details or history of a particular attraction.

Kuah cited the heritage walkabout and the “Melaka At Night” tours as examples of personalised packages for small groups.

Both Uzaidi and Kuah also urged the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry to promote tour packages for small groups.

Chairman of the Melaka chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Goh Hock Gin, said private tours were gradually turning popular following the impact of Covid-19.

“Tour agents have ventured into travel bubble trips since last year in order to continue generating revenue. This concept reduces infection risks and is more focused on providing quality vacations,” he said.

Goh said private tours were designed to match the needs of a tourist, namely, his or her own itinerary with specialised guides and destinations of choice.

“Most importantly, travellers can move on their own and have the flexibility of selecting the right accommodation,” he said, adding that many tour companies here had moved to ecotourism to promote private tours, especially at recreational sites in Kuala Linggi and Jasin.

“These sites were less known in the past,” he said, adding that these tours were popular with families.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by MARTIN CARVALHO and RSN MURALI

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