L’Étape Malaysia breathes new life into Johor tourism industry

JOHOR BAHRU – Having an international cycling event, such as L’Étape by Tour de France, in Desaru Coast, Johor for the first time will not only have a positive impact on the tourism industry in the area but throughout the state too.

Among those who will benefit from the event are hundreds of budget hotels in the surrounding area, including nearby districts.

Speaking to Getaran, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) deputy president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said the event is being organised at the perfect time after budget hotel operators and other tourism industry players faced difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The event will revive the tourism industry. People will visit the area. Although it is a cycling event, the local economy will still improve and hotels among them will get an overflow from tourist arrivals.

“When there is an international event, outsiders will enter Malaysia and they will go to all areas not only at their event location,” he said.

Sri Ganesh added that fans of the event will surely go through various areas or other districts before arriving in Desaru, and the stopover will, to some extent, ultimately boost the local economy.

“Not only during the event, but also after the event, they will definitely spend time sightseeing, visiting famous locations to eat or buy local products.

“This indirectly allows traders and other industry players to also gain some benefit,” he said.

Sri Ganesh said the selection of Desaru as the location for the event is also suitable for cycling too, apart from being a famous tourist destination.

“When Desaru becomes the venue, it will benefit everyone in the surrounding area or district. It is a good thing they choose a tourist area that already has a reputation.

“However, it has been receiving fewer visitors for the past two years due to the pandemic. The selection of Desaru as the tournament site is seen as timely to revitalise the area,” he explained.

In a related development, he also urged other agencies to support the organisation of the L’Étape event, which will take place on June 4, in order to boost the tourism industry.

“I really hope that all MyBHA members take the opportunity to promote their products and packages that can be offered before the event.

“Although there are still businesses or players in the tourism industry who are facing a shortage of post-pandemic workers, what is more important is to provide the best service and seize the opportunities available,” he said.

The promotion, however, said Sri Ganesh, should be followed up with top-quality services, and labour shortage must not be made as an excuse.

“The lack of workers is inevitable, but in order to revitalise the tourism and hotel industry, the best services must be provided,” he said.

L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France is a cycling tournament for amateurs and will be held at Desaru Coast on June 4.

It has also received full support from the state government.

The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Étape Malaysia, and is participating in two teams sponsored by the Vinod Sekhar Foundation.

The Vibes is a PETRA News company which also publishes the Bahasa Malaysia portal Getaran. – The Vibes, May 31, 2022