Homestays a hit among Singaporeans

SINGAPOREANS made up more than half of the 49,000 tourists – 52.5 per cent or about 25,800 – who availed of homestay packages in Malaysia last year.

Japanese guests made up 22.4 per cent (about 11,000 pax), while European guests 9.3 per cent (over 4,500).

Johor was the most popular destination for homestays, recording 23,300 visitors, followed by Selangor with 5,600 visitors and Pahang in third with 2,500 guests.

Malaysia Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen told media at the launch of the Kampung Gali Hilir Homestay Programme in the Raub district of Pahang state: “Homestay programmes offer foreigners an experience of village life, of living with a typical Malaysian family and participating in activities that are memorable.”

“Homestays are also an opportunity to develop rural economies, benefiting families and communities directly. A successful homestay can earn up to RM10,000 (US$3,295) a month,” she added.

Alex Lee, managing director of Ping Anchorage Travel and Tours, said homestays are an excellent way of introducing a foreign guest to traditional Malaysian life. “Homestays are definitely an added attraction for operators’ packages,” he said.

By Ellen Chen

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