Health must comes first

 

(file pix) Chinese tourists with virtual money shopping at the mall today right after arriving for the five-day carnival where they are members (11 May 2017). - GARY CHEN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism players may be all excited over the return of Chinese visitors, but even they realise that protecting the health of all concerned should remain the priority amid Covid-19.

“We will adhere (to any standard operating procedure) from the Health Ministry. Even though we are excited to meet the tourists, health comes first,” said Malaysian Inbound Tourist Association (Mita) president Uzaidi Udanis.

“We have learned from the past two years – our mantra is ‘good health means good business’.

“We have to protect our industry and it is most important that we follow the SOP,” he said here yesterday.

Uzaidi was commenting on how Malaysian industry players are gearing up to receive Chinese tourists as the republic eases restrictions on overseas travel beginning Jan 8.

He said China’s decision to scrap quarantine measures for travellers is expected to bring about three million visitors, with these tourists an important contributor to the country’s economy.

Chinese tourists not only come in large numbers, he said, but are also big spenders.

“The industry was really affected when they were unable to travel here,” he said, adding that the country saw 2.9 million Chinese tourists in 2019.

To ensure that another mass outbreak will not take place and to prevent any tourists from overstaying in the country, he proposed the government make it compulsory for tourists to use the service of travel agents.

This measure was implemented in the previous Langkawi sandbox in 2021, where it was compulsory for inbound travellers to use the service of agents, he added.

Uzaidi said Mita is also encouraging its members to organise special events to attract affluent Chinese travellers, including Mita’s very own Fish Tales 2023 Cup in Rompin, Pahang.

He said the market for angling tourism is big in China, and the association is estimating more than 500 participants.

“Statistically, there are estimated 120 million fishing enthusiasts in China, and 2% of this group (or 2.4 million) will travel once a year for angling activities.

“On average, each angler spends US$2,500 to US$3,000 (about RM11,000 to more than RM13,000) per fishing trip in Malaysia,” he said.

Tourism Malaysia package and development division director Shahrin Mokhtar said the Fish Tales 2023 Cup is also important for the local community as it encourages community-based tourism. - Star