KUALA LUMPUR: Tradewinds Corporation Bhd’s hospitality unit, Mutiara Taman Negara, is emphasising operational efficiency during Visit Malaysia 2026, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East and global air travel disruptions.
Resort manager Lex Lam said Mutiara Taman Negara is prioritising essential infrastructure upgrades, strengthening safety and compliance standards, reviewing power and utility systems, and improving selected room facilities to ensure reliability during high-demand periods.
“At the same time, we are tightening SOPs (standard operating procedures), manpower planning and coordination with local operators around Taman Negara to ensure smoother guest movement and service delivery during Visit Malaysia 2026,“ he told SunBiz.
Lam said the resort’s approach is practical, ensuring it can efficiently manage increased demand without compromising the guest experience or sustainability.
Mutiara Taman Negara is managed by Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts, a hotel management arm associated with Tradewinds Corp.
Lam said that despite the global disruptions, tourists from China and India continue to see a positive market for the resort.
He added that the visa-free policies for Chinese and Indian tourists continue to show strong potential, and the focus is on attracting the right fit in terms of travellers’ mindset and interests.
“Rather than mass tour groups, the emphasis is on experience-driven guests who appreciate nature, culture, and authentic encounters.
Strategic collaboration with quality inbound operators, supported by stronger digital positioning, will help connect with travellers who value meaningful travel experiences. Tailored itineraries and well-prepared guides will further enhance the experience for this segment.”
Lam said Mutiara Taman Negara’s approach prioritises stability and long-term value over aggressive expansion.
“For 2026, we are targeting revenue growth of around 8-10%, driven by disciplined rate management, an improved occupancy mix, and tighter cost control.
“Looking further ahead, our goal is to achieve cumulative revenue growth of approximately 25% to 30% by 2028, in line with the rising demand for quality ecotourism experiences.
“At the same time, we intend to reinforce our position as a leading eco-lodge in Taman Negara, with a potential full revamp and product enhancement currently under evaluation, subject to feasibility and approvals.
“Any growth will be carefully paced to ensure financial prudence, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability,“ Lam noted.
He said these depend on developments in the US-Iran war. “In March, we already witnessed a drop in occupancy, cancellations due to flight accessibility, and an increase in airfares.”
With Malaysia’s tourism sector potentially hitting a 15% contribution to gross domestic product by 2027, Mutiara Taman Negara aims to contribute by attracting niche, high-yield travellers seeking authentic nature and biodiversity experiences, supporting rural and community-based tourism around Taman Negara in Pahang, and extending visitor stays through special packages such as birding, macro photography and immersive jungle experiences that complement Malaysia’s broader tourism growth.
Lam said that, as the only resort within the boundaries of the 130-million-year-old rainforest, it serves as the premier gateway for nature-based tourism.
This segment is growing at over 11% annually, faster than traditional sun-and-sand tourism, he added.
“By offering specialised key attraction activities such as the canopy walkway, which is currently undergoing maintenance, and is one of the world’s longest in the world, night safaris, and boat rides, we provide the surreal experiences that are the core theme of Visit Malaysia 2026, helping to differentiate Malaysia from its regional competitors,“ he said.
Lam said Mutiara Taman Negara is not positioning itself as a wellness retreat, as the resort’s strength lies in the rainforest experience itself.
“Instead, we continue our efforts in nature-based tourism, focusing primarily on special interest segments that naturally fit Taman Negara. This includes birding groups, wildlife enthusiasts, macro photographers (those who specialise in insects, frogs and small rainforest species), nature documentarians and soft-adventure travellers,“ he said.
Lam said Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world – that alone attracts serious hobbyists and enthusiasts.
“For millennials, we see strong interest in guided photography trails, night walks, conservation-focused experiences and content-driven stays.
“For families, we will enhance educational jungle experiences – simple survival skills, biodiversity discovery and ranger-style learning sessions for children.
“Rather than creating artificial attractions, we are strengthening what we already have: authentic rainforest access, knowledgeable guides and real biodiversity,“ Lam elaborated.
He also said that visiting Taman Negara National Park allows guests the opportunity to learn more about the Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia.
Lam said many communities here are the Batek, who have lived in the rainforest for generations. Traditionally, they depend on the forest for survival through hunting, fishing, and gathering natural resources.
The Orang Asli have a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the rainforest, which plays an important role in their daily life and traditions.
“We are designing experience-led stays rather than room-only promotions. That includes guided night walks, river experiences, engagement with indigenous culture, and curated nature programmes led by nature guides.
“Eco travellers want authenticity, sustainability and comfort, not mass tourism,“ Lam said.
