BINTULU: The growing demand for accommodation here, propelled by an influx of travellers and workers, underscores the imperative for more hotel facilities.
Malaysian Association of Hotels, Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo Peng Yew revealed that hotels in Bintulu, spanning budget to three- and four-star establishments, consistently operate at full capacity.
“Bintulu’s hotel occupancy rates often reach 87 per cent, indicating a thriving hospitality industry. This is noteworthy, considering the approximately 50,000 foreigners arriving in Bintulu for work or business who require accommodation.
While some opt for houses or apartments, the majority choose hotels. To meet this demand, an additional 1,000 rooms are needed urgently,” he said at the grand opening of Red’s Hotel on Wednesday (Nov 15).
Red’s Hotel director Bong Jat Chung (left) and Teo viewing one of the rooms at the hotel.
With Shell relocating its headquarters to Miri next year, Teo expressed optimism about the potential arrival of international hotel brands in Bintulu.
“We are expecting Bintulu to have a few international hotel brands, especially with so many investments coming in.
Regarding Red’s Hotel’s embrace of technology and the shift toward digitalisation, he sees it as a potential role model for the industry in Bintulu.
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the hospitality sector, prompting changes in people’s interest in working in the industry.
I believe the global hospitality industry is facing a shortage of manpower. The integration of technology and digitalisation will enhance hotel operations, reducing the needs for excessive manpower
“Features like digital self-check-in and check-out kiosks, showcased at Red’s Hotel, eliminate the need for front desk staff, offering convenience for guests and reducing operational costs.
Teo noted a similar trend in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, where restaurants and cafes are increasingly turning to robots.
“Nowadays, it is difficult to find skilled waitstaff so there is a shift towards utilising robots. This, I believe, will be the trend for the future.
