Stronger ringgit, cheaper tours

Fair exchange: People lining up at a money changer in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Thanks to the ringgit being the best-performing currency among Asian countries, tour packages to these countries are now cheaper by about 10% per person.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the strengthening ringgit is resulting in cheaper tour packages.“This means each person is saving hundreds of ringgit on their tours and when shopping overseas, they will be spending less with the new currency exchange rates.

“Right now, the recommended places to travel are within Asia, especially Vietnam, China and Taiwan.

“These places offer value-for-money trips and will not be heavy on the pocket.“An all-in travel trip to Taiwan for seven days, for instance, can cost RM3,000 per person now compared to RM3,400 before.”

Leong said the coming school holidays and long break with the Malaysia Day holiday will give Malaysians an opportunity to go on a trip.

“Calls have been coming in non-stop since the value of our currency increased.

“People want to travel; it will now be cheaper for them because with the revised rates, one person in a group of 10 will pretty much be travelling for free,” she said.

Travel agent Ashok Das said he has received many enquiries for trips to India and other Asian countries.

“The exchange rate with the Indian rupee is now greater and many want to take advantage of that.

“This is a good time to travel, especially since the weather in other countries will not be too hot as well.

“Later in the year, like in December, it will be colder or rainy.

“September and October are great months to travel,” he said.

Ashok added that it is not advisable to travel to European nations at present with the ongoing Olympics in Paris, France.“Any country in Europe will be expensive right now.

“Even after it ends, it would be best to wait a few months before heading over,” he said.

Teacher B. Premala is glad that the currency rate has improved as this means her trip to Hadyai, Thailand, this month will cost less.

“I drove over last month with some friends and things were pricier because of the exchange rate.

“Every 100 Thai baht was around RM13.50 and these days, nothing is cheaper than 100 baht there.

“However, when I go there in a week’s time, the exchange rate will be better.

“From my calculations, it will now be 100 baht to RM12 or lower,” she said.