By Vincent D’Silva

DESARU: As the school holidays merge with a string of long public holiday weekends, the sound of rolling luggage, children’s laughter and families seeking moments of togetherness is once again breathing life into Malaysia’s tourism landscape — with seaside destinations emerging as among the biggest winners.

At Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, the coming holiday season is already painting an encouraging picture for the hospitality industry, as more Malaysians embrace travel not merely as leisure, but as a meaningful escape to reconnect with loved ones and restore emotional well-being.

The resort’s Director of Operations and Revenue, Lily Lim, said bookings had risen significantly ahead of the overlapping school holidays and long public holiday break, particularly among domestic travellers and families eager for a relaxing coastal retreat.

“We have seen a very encouraging response for the upcoming long holiday and school break period. Bookings have picked up significantly, especially from domestic travellers and families seeking a short beach getaway,” she said.

She noted that occupancy rates were trending positively, especially during weekends and public holiday periods, reflecting growing travel confidence among Malaysians despite cautious consumer spending habits.

Beyond simply taking vacations, Lim observed that many families are now placing greater emphasis on meaningful experiences, emotional wellness and quality time together.

“Travellers today place greater emphasis on quality time, wellness and meaningful experiences. Families are looking for destinations that offer relaxation, convenience and activities suitable for all age groups,” she said.

According to Lim, guests are becoming increasingly selective in how they spend, choosing value-added experiences such as family packages, recreational activities and memorable dining moments over excessive luxury.

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Desaru, the resort continues to draw visitors with its beachfront setting, spacious accommodations and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests are especially attracted to the swimming pools, beach activities, spa experiences and local culinary offerings that create what many families now seek most — time to slow down and simply be together.

“There has also been an increase in last-minute bookings, especially closer to public holiday periods. At the same time, we are seeing more guests extending their stays slightly longer to maximise family time and enjoy a more relaxed holiday pace,” Lim added.

She said the trend reflects a broader shift towards flexible and experience-driven travel among Malaysians.

Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, Lim believes domestic tourism will continue to serve as a vital pillar for the country’s hospitality industry even as international travel gradually strengthens.

“Local travellers have become a strong foundation for the tourism sector, particularly during weekends, school holidays and festive seasons,” she said.

As families continue searching for moments of warmth, rest and reconnection amid increasingly demanding lives, Malaysia’s beaches and resorts are quietly becoming more than holiday destinations — they are becoming places where memories are gently rebuilt, one family getaway at a time.

Meanwhile at Four Points by Sheraton Desaru, General Manager Ishak Yunus said bookings have remained steady although travellers today are becoming noticeably more careful with their spending.

“Currently, bookings are steady, although slightly slower compared to previous periods. However, we anticipate a significant increase in bookings closer to the public and school holidays, especially within the final two to three days before the holiday period begins,” he said.

He observed that the rising cost of living has encouraged many Malaysians to become more selective and thoughtful when planning their holidays.

“Guests are taking more time to compare options and ensure they are getting good value for their money before confirming their holidays. We are also noticing that many travellers prefer destinations closer to home instead of travelling long distances,” he said.
Yet amid economic caution, one thing remains unchanged — the deep desire among families to spend meaningful time together.

In many homes, busy work schedules and fast-paced urban lifestyles have quietly reduced opportunities for genuine connection. For many parents, these school holidays offer a rare pause — a chance to laugh together, dine together and create memories that linger long after the suitcases are unpacked.

“We are seeing that family bonding and quality time have become even more important during this holiday season,” Ishak said.
“Many guests are using the school holidays as an opportunity not only to relax and recharge mentally, but also to spend meaningful time together with their families and children.”

To cater to families, the hotel has introduced a variety of activities designed to bring parents and children together, including DIY pizza-making sessions, treasure hunts, mocktail workshops, origami classes and arts and crafts activities.

Beyond the hotel itself, Desaru continues to attract visitors with its blend of seaside relaxation and family-friendly attractions, including the Adventure Waterpark, Desaru Fruit Farm, Desaru Mini Zoo and the scenic beachfront.

Despite shorter average stays and a growing trend of last-minute bookings, Ishak remains optimistic about the future of domestic tourism, particularly as the nation moves towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

“Domestic tourism will continue to play a very important role in supporting the hospitality industry as we move towards Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said.

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure guests leave feeling that every moment and every ringgit spent with us was worthwhile.”