GEORGE TOWN, Feb. 3 -- In a unique convergence of festive seasons, Penang hotels are preparing for a busy Chinese New Year holiday period even as the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan begins, with industry players expecting a surge in travel from non-Muslim domestic and international tourists.

Chinese New Year falls on February 17 this year, with the month-long Ramadan fasting period expected to begin on February 18 or 19.

Malaysian Association of Hoteliers (MAH) Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said that while domestic tourism typically drops during Ramadan, he anticipates high occupancy for the first four days of Chinese New Year as non-Muslims and ethnic Chinese travel for the long break.

"Based on current reservations, we have about 60...