BANDUNG needs to arm itself with new attractions and improved infrastructure if it wants to fend off increasing competition from Vietnam for the Malaysian market, say Malaysian travel experts.
Malaysian buyers whom TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to during the recent West Java Tourism Exchange said travel demand for Vietnam was booming, with Malaysians viewing the destination as a shopping and culinary haven.
Azhar Ahmad, director, PHP Travel & Tours Kuala Lumpur said: “There is growing interest in travel to Vietnam. Shopping is the major attraction. Our travellers love to shop, and the food (in Vietnam) is similar to ours.”
Abu Hassan Ahmad, CEO, Honey Vacation Travel & Tours Petaling Jaya said: “Medan (North Sumatra) and Bukittinggi (West Sumatra) used to be favoured by Malaysians, but not anymore because we haven’t heard about anything new there lately.”
“Bandung needs to keep introducing new products and attractions to keep the destination appealing,” he added.
According to the buyers, infrastructure in Bandung such as Husein Sastranegara International Airport and the local road network also require upgrading, in addition to increased efforts to ease traffic conditions.
With Bandung actively promoting itself as a MICE destination, traffic conditions would be a major issue when handling large groups, they said.
Responding to the feedback, ASITA West Java chairman, Herman Rukmanadi, said: “Yes, we are aware of the trend (of more Malaysians heading to Vietnam) and we intend to do something about it.”
“Firstly, we are developing products and promoting (areas) beyond Bandung to the Kuala Lumpur market. Secondly, we will start penetrating markets other than Kuala Lumpur, such as Penang and Kota Kinabalu.”
