Tourism, industry, investment and corridor development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the state government had been working instead on developing boutique hotels in Perak.

He said several boutique hotels were already operating in Ipoh and could cater to tourists seeking quality accommodation.

“Many tourists do not need five-star, six-star or seven-star hotels. What they want is a comfortable and clean place to sleep, clean toilets, clean beds and so on.

“So in this case, boutique hotels are just right for the market,” he said when replying to a question from Wong Chai Yi (PH-Simpang Pulai).

However, Loh said the state also needed internationally, regionally or locally branded high-end hotels to boost tourism by encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more.

According to the tourism, arts and culture ministry, boutique hotels must have at least 10 rooms or 50 beds, and offer personalised, luxurious services with unique and distinctive concepts and designs.