Reopen domestic tourism in all states, say hoteliers, tour agents

 

Tourism players said the major impact will only be seen when people are able to move across state borders.

PETALING JAYA: Hoteliers and tour agents have called for domestic tourism activities to be reopened in all states, following the government’s announcement that hotels and homestays could reopen in states under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan.

Malaysian Association of Hotel Operators executive director Shaharuddin M Saaid told FMT the government’s announcement would have minimal immediate impact because hotels in traditional tourism hot spots like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor would not be allowed to take in guests.

“If the hotel staff has been vaccinated, and the guests are vaccinated, then there should be no issue where the hotel is located.

“For states that are in Phase 2 currently, many are small and may not have many attractions for people living in the state, so the impact won’t be as strongly felt,” he said.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) secretary-general Nigel Wong, argued that even in Phase 1, those in the tourism sector should be allowed to operate if workers have received the requisite jabs.

“It’s a good start to have these protocols in place, it’s a welcome start, but the major impact will only be seen once people are able to move across state borders.”

Malaysia Budget Hotel Association president Emmy Suraya Hussein said that although today’s government decision was not a major leap forward, it was better than restricting hotels to act as quarantine centres.

“It’ll be a relief to hoteliers, it is a positive first step.

“For now though, who knows when Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will move into Phase 2. It looks like it could be some ways away.

“Until people from the Klang Valley are able to travel to other states, the positive impact will be relatively small.” - FMT