Malaysian Hotels and Orchards Unite: Durian Tour Packages Launch to Woo Visitors

Hotels and fruit plantations on Malaysia’s bustling island of Penang are joining forces to introduce durian-inspired travel packages as the harvesting season approaches.

This year, from May through August, 36 durian-themed travel packages will be offered to visitors, including accommodations and all-you-can-eat durian buffets on the island as well as in Seberang Perai, a neighboring municipality.

According to Datuk Tony Goh, the chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hoteliers Penang, these packages allow tourists to enjoy hotels and durians more affordably during this season, as mentioned in the report.
Malay Mail.

He mentioned that some hotels collaborate with durian orchards providing attractive deals, allowing visitors who opt for these packages to save around RM80 to RM100 (US$18.7-$23.3) as opposed to visiting the orchards independently.

A display of opened durians on a table. Photo by Unsplash/Jim Teo

Penang Global Tourism has launched promotional activities for exclusive durian tour packages starting this month.

“We’re not just pushing this initiative in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Indonesia; we’re also targeting China since many people there have a fondness for durians,” explained Wong Hon Wai, who chairs the Tourism & Creative Economy sector in Penang.

Wong pointed out that durians cost more in China compared to Malaysia, which makes Malaysia an attractive location for durian enthusiasts.

He stated, “Our recently refreshed Penang King of Fruits Durian Guide will include details on various durian varieties along with directories of durian stands and plantations.”

The guide aims to inform visitors about the variety of durians, including popular types such as

Musang King

along with D24, and their positions.

Goh mentioned that certain hotels will offer discounted room rates along with more affordable durian buffet packages.

“Just as with our hotels, we will introduce them to the durian stalls we are collaborating with for the durian buffet packages they have enrolled in,” he stated.

These packages offer a clear enhancement for hotels via more bookings and for orchards through higher sales volumes.

Goh also mentioned that the promotional durian and travel packages launched last year received an enthusiastic response, especially from Chinese and Singaporean tourists.

He mentioned that we might see a rise in room occupancy rates by around 4-5% during this time.