Malaysia’s tourism industry relies heavily on the transportation sector, with tour buses playing a crucial role in transporting tourists to various destinations. However, Malaysian tour operators has led to several problems especially in getting bus drivers.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions and lockdowns leading to a significant decline in tourism. One of the challenges faced by the industry is a shortage of tour bus drivers, with many local drivers changing careers due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

Estimate more than 6,000 tour busses on the road ( refer to the table below )

Through MITA’s survey as of 26th January , there are 265 tour busses companies who are looking for 2,000 tour bus drivers to be employed .

This is a major problem ! The shortage of tour bus drivers is becoming a major concern for the tourism industry, as it can lead to a number of problems that can negatively impact the industry.

One of the major problems that can arise from the shortage of tour bus drivers is a reduction in the number of tours and excursions that are offered. This can result in a decrease in the number of tourists that are able to visit a particular destination, which can have a significant impact on the local economy. This can cause a negative ripple effect, leading to a decrease in revenue for local businesses and a loss of jobs in the community.

Another problem that can arise from the shortage of tour bus drivers is an increase in the cost of tours and excursions. With fewer drivers available, tour operators may have to pay higher wages to attract and retain drivers, which can lead to an increase in the cost of tours and excursions. I was told that some of the tour bus drivers demand at least 20% of tour bus sales . This will add on more to the cost of the ground handling package.

As the result , it can make our ground packages less affordable for tourists, leading to a decrease in demand for these services.

The shortage of tour bus drivers can also lead to a decrease in the quality of service that tourists receive. With fewer drivers available, tour operators may have to rely on less experienced or less qualified drivers, which can lead to a decrease in the quality of service that tourists receive. This can result in a negative experience for tourists, which can lead to a decrease in repeat business and a negative reputation for the destination.

so what is the SOLUTION ???

I personally think to address this problem, it’s important to consider both short-term and long-term solutions.

SHORT TERM SOLUTION :

One of the most immediate solutions to the problem of tour bus driver shortages is to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. This can help to fill the gap in the short-term and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate smoothly. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this solution, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that it is viable and sustainable.

There are so many debates on getting foreign workers as tour bus drivers . I can understand the concerns of Rakyat Malaysia and some of the travel players.

Some even gave an unrealistic feedback such as ” PEKERJA ASING NI BUSUK AND KENA GUNA PERFUME YANG BANYAK UNTUK SPRAY DALAM BAS ” That was actually an uncalled excuse.

However, I do agree the fact that hiring of foreign tour bus drivers by Malaysian tour operators has led to other several problems such as belows:

Language barriers can create communication difficulties between the driver , tour guide and even tourists, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. This can also be a safety concern, as the driver may not be able to understand or communicate important instructions or information.

Another issue is that foreign drivers may not be familiar with the local laws and regulations, which can lead to legal problems and fines. They may also not be familiar with the roads and traffic conditions, which can lead to accidents and delays.

The hiring of foreign drivers also raises concerns about the employment opportunities for local drivers. Many Malaysian drivers feel that they are being pushed out of the industry by the influx of foreign drivers who are willing to work for lower wages.

.. but again , many players feel that there is no other realistic short term solution other than getting foreign workers as tour bus driver.

Through or survey recently , in order to overcome this shortage ; it’s important for the government of Malaysia to consider allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. There are some advantages when we employ the foreign workers as tour bus drivers for short term.

It will open up more job opportunities for locals. The tourism industry is closely related to many other industries and by allowing more foreign tour bus drivers, it will increase the demand for other services like accommodation, food and beverages, and transportation. This will create more job opportunities for locals in these industries, and will help to boost the local economy.

Furthermore, bringing in foreign tour bus drivers can also serve as a catalyst for the locals to improve their skills and knowledge in the field of tourism, as they can learn from the foreign workers and gain new perspectives. This will help to improve the overall quality of service in the tourism industry, and will attract more tourists to Malaysia in the future.

In addition, by allowing more foreign workers as tour bus drivers, it will also help to increase the diversity of the tourism industry, making it more inclusive and welcoming to tourists from different backgrounds. This will help to boost the reputation of Malaysia as a tourism destination, and will attract more tourists in the future.

Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can not only provide a solution to the shortage of tour bus drivers in Malaysia, but also open up more job opportunities for locals, and improve the overall quality of service in the tourism industry. It will also help to boost the reputation of Malaysia as a tourism destination and attract more tourists in the future. The government of Malaysia should collaborate with MITA to provide training for foreign workers and ensure that the process is done in compliance with laws and regulations.

Here are some key points to consider why we should implement this short term solution:

• Lack of local tour bus drivers: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decline in tourism and a corresponding decline in the number of tour bus drivers. Many local drivers have changed careers due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
  
  
• Foreign workers can fill the gap: Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can help to overcome the shortage of local drivers and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate.
  
  
• Experienced and qualified: Many foreign workers who are interested in working as tour bus drivers in Malaysia are experienced and qualified professionals who have worked in the industry for many years.
  
  
• Language skills: Some foreign workers may also have language skills that can be of great benefit to the tourism industry in Malaysia, helping to communicate with tourists from different countries and backgrounds.
  
  
• Contributes to the economy: By allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers, the government of Malaysia can help to ensure that the tourism industry continues to contribute to the economy by providing jobs and income.
  
  
• Cost-effective solution: Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can be a cost-effective solution for the tourism industry, as travel agents can handle the process of recruiting and hiring foreign workers.
  
  
• Carefully selected: Travel agents can carefully select qualified and experienced foreign workers who will be able to perform the duties of a tour bus driver effectively
  
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• Compliance with laws and regulations: It’s important for the government to make sure that travel agents comply with all relevant laws and regulations when bringing in foreign workers, to ensure the safety and well-being ofthe workers and the tourists they will be transporting. This includes providing proper accommodation and fair compensation, as well as ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
  
  
• Cultural sensitivity: Foreign workers should be trained in cultural sensitivity and understanding of the local customs and culture in Malaysia, to ensure that they provide a high level of service to tourists and act as ambassadors for the country.
  
• Safety and security: The government must ensure that foreign workers meet the necessary safety and security standards for operating tour buses in Malaysia.
  
  

Therefore in view of the above points , Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) can play a key role in providing proper training for foreign bus drivers. MITA can ensure that foreign workers are properly trained and equipped to provide a high level of service to tourists and to operate tour buses safely and efficiently.

This includes providing training on local laws and regulations, as well as training on cultural sensitivity and understanding of local customs and culture. MITA can also provide training on the specific routes and destinations that the tour buses will be operating in, as well as training on proper vehicle maintenance and safety procedures.

By providing proper training for foreign bus drivers, MITA can ensure that the tourism industry in Malaysia continues to operate smoothly and safely, while providing a positive experience for tourists. This will in turn help to maintain a positive image of Malaysia as a tourist destination and will attract more tourists in the future.

In addition, providing proper training will also help to ensure that foreign workers are fully prepared to perform their duties as tour bus drivers and can be a valuable asset to the tourism industry in Malaysia. The government of Malaysia should support and collaborate with MITA to provide training for foreign workers as tour bus drivers.

What about LONG TERM SOLUTION ?

While bringing in foreign workers can help in the short-term, it is not a long-term solution. In order to address the underlying issues that are causing the shortage of drivers, it’s important to consider long-term solutions.

One of the most effective long-term solutions is to offer incentives to attract and retain drivers. This can include higher wages, benefits, and training programs to make the job more attractive to local workers. Providing more opportunities for career advancement for drivers, such as training programs and leadership development, can also help to retain drivers and attract new ones.

Another important solution is to encourage more young people to pursue careers as tour bus drivers, by targeted education and outreach efforts. By creating a pipeline of future drivers, the shortage of tour bus drivers can be mitigated in the long-term.

Finally, investing in technology such as autonomous buses can also help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the long-term. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but as it advances, it could potentially help to reduce the need for human drivers.

In summary :

Short-term Solutions:

One of the most immediate solutions to the problem of tour bus driver shortages is to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. This can help to fill the gap in the short-term and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate smoothly. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this solution, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that it is viable and sustainable.

Long-term Solutions:

1. Offering incentives to attract and retain drivers: This can include higher wages, benefits, and training programs to make the job more attractive to local workers.
   
   
2. Providing more opportunities for career advancement for drivers: Offering training programs and leadership development can help to retain drivers and attract new ones.
   
   
3. Encouraging more young people to pursue careers as tour bus drivers: Targeted education and outreach efforts can help to create a pipeline of future drivers.
   
   
4. Investing in technology: Autonomous buses can help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the long-term.

wait .. wait !!!! …..some of you may notice on number 4 solution …AUTONOMOUS BUSSES ??

What the heck is that ???

For your information , Autonomous buses, also known as self-driving buses or driverless buses, are buses that are equipped with technology that allows them to operate without a human driver. This technology includes a combination of sensors, cameras, GPS, and advanced algorithms that allow the bus to navigate and make decisions on its own.

The most advanced autonomous buses are able to navigate through complex traffic situations, make lane changes, and avoid obstacles without human input. They can also communicate with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to optimize their routes and improve safety.

There are several benefits to using autonomous buses. One of the most significant benefits is that they can help to reduce the need for human drivers, which can help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the transportation industry. They can also improve safety by reducing the likelihood of human error, which is a common cause of accidents.

Additionally, autonomous buses can also be more efficient than traditional buses, as they can navigate through traffic more quickly and make more precise maneuvers. This can help to reduce travel times and improve the overall efficiency of the transportation system.

Currently, several countries are testing and implementing autonomous buses on the road, such as Singapore, China, and several European countries. However, the technology is still in the early stages of development, and widespread adoption may take some years.

WOWW !! When can we expect it on the road ?

It is difficult to predict exactly when driverless buses will be on the roads of Malaysia, as it depends on a number of factors such as the availability of the technology, the readiness of the infrastructure, and the regulatory environment.

However, I was told that the Government of Malaysia has shown interest in the implementation of autonomous vehicle technology and have been taking steps to promote the development and implementation of autonomous vehicles in the country. The government is also working on creating a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles and is considering pilot projects to test the technology in real-world scenarios.

It is likely that we will see pilot projects of autonomous buses in Malaysia in the near future, but widespread deployment of the technology will likely take several more years. It also depends on the level of autonomy, as lower level of autonomy can be implemented earlier than higher level of autonomy.

It’s worth noting that the deployment of autonomous buses will require a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, as well as the development of the necessary regulations and guidelines. The progress will also depend on the readiness of the local industry and the availability of local talent to support the development and deployment of the technology.

It is likely that we will see pilot projects of autonomous buses in Malaysia in the near future, but widespread deployment of the technology will likely take several more years. It’s also depend on the level of autonomy and the readiness of the local industry and the availability of local talent.

Some of the countries that have made significant progress in this area include:

1. Singapore: Singapore has been a leader in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles, and has been testing autonomous buses since 2016. They have already deployed several autonomous buses on public roads, and plans to expand the fleet in the coming years.
   
   
2. Netherlands: The Netherlands has been testing autonomous buses in the city of Amsterdam since 2018, and plans to expand the fleet in the coming years. The city of Eindhoven has also been testing autonomous buses in the city center since 2019.
   
   
3. China: China has been testing autonomous buses in several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. They have already deployed several autonomous buses on public roads and have plans to expand the fleet in the coming years.
   
   
4. France: In France, several cities have been testing autonomous buses, such as Rouen, Strasbourg, and La Rochelle. The French government has also been working on developing a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
   
   
5. United States: The United States has been testing autonomous buses in several cities, including Las Vegas, Houston, and San Ramon. Companies like Waymo and Tesla have also been working on developing autonomous bus technology.

Singapore has started it ..

even in China too..

I’m not sure when can we will see it happening in Malaysia but we have to prepare for this disruption.

Therefore , It’s important to have a combination of short and long-term solutions to tackle the issue of shortage of tour bus drivers.

In the short term, bringing in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can help to fill the gap and ensure that the tourism industry continues to operate smoothly.

However, in the long-term, it’s important to address the underlying issues that are causing the shortage of drivers, by offering incentives, providing opportunities for career advancement, and investing in technology.

P.S : MITA’s survey on Foreign Workers for Tour Bus Drivers is still on going . For travel agents who require the bus drivers , please fill in the form at https://form.jotform.com/malaysiatourism/busdrivers

So sad …

Sad to know there were a mass shooting in California where there were 10 people shot dead during the victims were celebrating Chinese New Year at a dance studio at Monteray Park California.

I had an opportunity to stay for a week last week in the area of Alhamra which is nearby to Monteray Park and never in my crazy mind that I thought the area was dangerous . I was really enjoying myself with the nice neighbourhood and the surrounding.

I was told shortly after the attack , the gunman showed up at the studio in Alhamra. Really scarry to come to think of it.

My heart goes out to the victims affected by the senseless mass . I cannot imagine the pain that so many families were experiencing after the mass shooting tragedy .

I hope the residents of Monteray Park and Alhamra stays resillient and stronger together.

Walaweiiiiiii !!! Time flies sooooo fast and today we are celebrating Chinese New Year on 22nd January and soon we will celebrate Ramadhan .. Really really fast these times flies ..

新年快乐！我们祝您和您的家人合家平安、工作顺利，财源广进

Wahhh you can speak Chinese maa ???

haha i wish i can as per now I only manage to use Google Translator which i hope it will means Happy New Year! We wish you and your family safety, smooth work, and an abundance of wealth”… if it’s NOT , please let me know ok and I will change it .

So today we are celebrating Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year is an important festival in Malaysia.

Everybody in Malaysia entitle to have 2 days PUBLIC HOLIDAYS in conjunction of Chinese New Year same as HARI RAYA’s Public Holiday ..

Let’s talk a little bit about Chinese New Year and it’s impact in Inbound Tourism Industry

The Chinese New Year festival is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Malaysia and it plays a significant role in boosting the country’s inbound tourism industry. This festival is a time when families come together to celebrate and honor their ancestors, and it is a time of great joy and celebration.

The Chinese New Year festival attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world, particularly from China and other Asian countries. This is due to the fact that the festival is celebrated by a large number of Chinese Malaysians, and it is a time when many Chinese people travel to visit their families. Additionally, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional customs such as lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks, that attract a lot of visitors.

The Chinese New Year festival provides a unique and authentic cultural experience for visitors. Many tourists are drawn to the country during this time to witness the colorful and vibrant celebrations and to learn more about Chinese culture. This is particularly true for visitors from Western countries, who may be less familiar with the customs and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year.

The festival also provides an opportunity for the tourism industry to showcase the best of Malaysia, particularly its food and activities.

The Chinese New Year is a time when many traditional Chinese dishes are prepared and served, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of delicious food and drink while they are in the country. Additionally, many cities and towns in Malaysia host night markets and street festivals during the Chinese New Year, which provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the traditional customs and culture of the Chinese New Year in a lively and festive atmosphere.

According to data from the Tourism Malaysia, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia has been consistently increasing in recent years. In 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for the largest number of tourists visiting Malaysia, with a total of 4.1 million visitors. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years as the Chinese New Year festival continues to attract more Chinese tourists to Malaysia.

Therefore, Chinese New Year festival plays a significant role in boosting the country’s inbound tourism industry and increasing tourist arrivals, particularly from China.

The festival provides Chinese tourists with a unique and authentic cultural experience, and it provides an opportunity for the tourism industry to showcase the best of Malaysia. The festival is a key driver of tourism and it is expected to continue to be a major contributor to Malaysia’s tourism industry in the future.

For many years in a row before Covid19 Corona came , Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) used to organise Annual Lion Dance in Kuala Lumpur especially in Dataran Merdeka to celebrates Chinese New Year with tourists.

let’s see why Chinese tourists from China and other countries love to go to Malaysia during Chinese New Year festivals:

1. Cultural Connections: The Chinese New Year festival is an important cultural event for Chinese people and it is celebrated with traditional customs such as lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks. These celebrations provide a unique and authentic cultural experience for Chinese tourists, allowing them to connect with their heritage and traditions.
   
2. Familiarity: Malaysia is a popular destination for Chinese tourists due to its proximity to China, and the fact that it has a large Chinese population. This means that Chinese tourists will find many familiar foods, customs and traditions, making it a comfortable and familiar destination to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
   
3. Weather: Chinese New Year falls in the middle of winter in China, and many Chinese tourists prefer to escape the cold weather and celebrate the festival in a warmer destination. Malaysia’s tropical climate makes it an ideal destination for Chinese tourists to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
   
4. Shopping and Food: Malaysia is known for its shopping and food. Chinese New Year is a time when many Chinese people exchange gifts and food is an important part of the celebrations. Visitors can find many traditional Chinese goods, in addition to the local Malaysian products, which make good souvenirs and gifts.
   
5. Festivals and events: Many cities and towns in Malaysia host night markets, parades and street festivals during the Chinese New Year, which provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the traditional customs and culture of the Chinese New Year in a lively and festive atmosphere.
   

All of these reasons make Malaysia an attractive destination for Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year festival, and it’s a good opportunity for Malaysia’s tourism industry to attract visitors and boost the economy.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR IN CHINA AND CELEBRATING IN MALAYSIA ?

There are several differences between celebrating Chinese New Year in Malaysia and in China:

1. Cultural influences: Malaysia has a diverse population, with a significant Chinese population, which has had a strong influence on the country’s culture and traditions. As a result, the celebrations in Malaysia often blend Chinese customs with local traditions, making it unique compared to the celebrations in China.
   
   
2. Weather: China experiences cold weather during the Chinese New Year, while Malaysia is generally warm and tropical. This means that celebrations in Malaysia are often held outdoors, with street parades, lion and dragon dances, and fireworks being a common feature of the celebrations.
   
   
3. Food: Food is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and in China traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and glutinous rice cakes are commonly eaten. In Malaysia, visitors can also find traditional Chinese dishes, but they can also find a wide variety of Chinese-Malaysian fusion food which is unique to Malaysia
   
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4. Festivals and events: Many cities and towns in Malaysia host night markets, parades and street festivals during the Chinese New Year, which provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the traditional customs and culture of the Chinese New Year in a lively and festive atmosphere. In China, the New Year is celebrated mainly within families, and less focus is given to the events and festivals.
   
   
5. Language: The official language in Malaysia is Malay, and although many Malaysians speak Mandarin, it’s not the official language, which may make it harder for Chinese visitors to communicate than in their home country.
   
   

All these differences make the Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia unique and an attractive destination for Chinese tourists who want to experience a different perspective of their culture and tradition, and at the same time enjoy.

What about YEE SANG TOSS ??

Yee Sang, also known as “Prosperity Toss” or “Lo Hei”, is a traditional Chinese dish that is commonly served and consumed during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia and Singapore. It is typically a salad dish made with raw fish and various other ingredients such as shredded vegetables, nuts, and sauces. The dish is typically prepared and served at the table and then tossed by the diners.

It is true that Yee Sang is not a traditional Chinese New Year dish and it is not commonly consumed in China. Yee Sang originated in Malaysia and has since spread to other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore. It is not a traditional dish in China, and it is not typically consumed during Chinese New Year celebrations. However, it is becoming more popular in China.

This means that for Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia, it could be a unique and new experience for them to try Yee Sang, and it could be considered as a cultural and culinary experience for them to try a different aspect of Chinese culture. It also offers an opportunity for the tourism industry in Malaysia to showcase their unique culture and traditions to Chinese visitors.

is there any unique activities in conjunction of chinese new year festival for chinese tourist to experience while celebrating in Malaysia?

Yes, there are a few experiences that cannot be found in China but only in Malaysia during Chinese New Year festivals:

1. Releasing sky lanterns: Releasing sky lanterns during Chinese New Year is a tradition that is specific to Malaysia and Singapore. It’s not a common practice in China, and Chinese tourists can experience this unique tradition while celebrating Chinese New Year in Malaysia.
   
   
2. Cultural Workshops: Workshops focused on traditional Chinese arts and crafts such as Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, paper-cutting, and lantern-making, may be more common in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, rather than in China.
   
   
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Malaysia has a long history of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese tourists can experience traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture, herbal therapy, and cupping in Malaysia during Chinese New Year, which may not be as easily accessible in China.
   
   
4. Chinese New Year River Cruise: This is a unique way to experience the Chinese New Year, it’s not a common practice in China, it’s only available in certain places in Malaysia, it’s a memorable experience for Chinese tourists to participate in a river cruise during Chinese New Year.
   
   

These experiences offer Chinese tourists a unique and authentic experience of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia and the opportunity to learn about and experience different aspects of the country’s rich culture and traditions that may not be found in China.

How can we use Chinese New Year festival to attract more international tourist to visit Malaysia?”

Chinese New Years can presents an excellent opportunity for the country’s tourism industry to attract more international tourists.

One of the main ways to use the Chinese New Year festival to attract more international tourists is by promoting the unique and authentic cultural experiences that the festival offers. The festival is celebrated with traditional customs such as lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks, which are not commonly seen in many Western countries. These traditional performances can be promoted as a unique and exciting experience for international tourists to witness.

Another way to use the Chinese New Year festival to attract more international tourists is by promoting the delicious traditional Chinese food that is typically served during the festival. Chinese cuisine is popular around the world, and many international tourists would be interested in trying traditional Chinese dishes during their visit to Malaysia.

The festival also provides an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s natural beauty and biodiversity, particularly its ecotourism and nature activities. Many international tourists are interested in eco-tourism, and promoting the natural beauty of Malaysia during the Chinese New Year festival can attract them to visit the country.

In addition, the Chinese New Year festival can be promoted as a time of great joy and celebration, which can make it an attractive time for international tourists to visit Malaysia. The festival is a time when families come together and celebrate, and it is a time of great joy and celebration. Promoting the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year festival can make it an attractive time for international tourists to visit Malaysia.

Lastly, the festival can be promoted as a time to experience a different perspective of Chinese culture and tradition. Many international tourists visit China to experience the Chinese New Year, but the celebrations in Malaysia can offer a different perspective on the Chinese New Year, which can make it an attractive destination for those tourists.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year festival in Malaysia presents an excellent opportunity for the country’s tourism industry to attract more international tourists. By promoting the unique and authentic cultural experiences, delicious traditional Chinese

PS: Malaysia is the Land of Festival.. so i hope all our Tourism Players use this advantage to attract International Tourist to visit Malaysia…

Next will be RAMADHAN Month and HARI RAYA in March and April AND How can we attract tourist during these festivals?