KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas to deploy the “Travel Safe Malaysia” Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label, designed to support the operational restart activities of the travel and tour industry.
In a statement, Matta said the programme is supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and will be offered to all Matta members across the country through field audits to ensure that appropriate health, safety and hygiene procedures and processes are in place.
This is also line with globally recognised best practices and recommendations related to preventive measures for a safer business restart after the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said as the pandemic evolves with time, there needs to be new tourism strategies to create travel demand, while also taking into consideration government safety and health protocols.
“Putting greater focus on health and safety in travel demands could be significant to all stakeholders as it can be an opportunity for reflection and reinvention towards a better and more sustainable tourism future.
“The positioning of Malaysia as a safe country will encourage future travellers to choose Malaysia once travelling resumes with borders being open to international visitors,” he said.
Matta is the national umbrella representative body for the entire travel industry in Malaysia, with over 3,600 members comprising local tour and travel agents, as well as overseas affiliations.
Bureau Veritas Commodities, Industry and Facilities Southeast Asia Operating Region chief executive (Malaysia) Datuk Mohd Nizam Abdul Malik said as Malaysia is an established international tourist destination, it will bring comfort to travellers that the country’s tourism industry is fully prepared, and has placed hygiene and safety as the highest priorities in their operations.
“This will also benefit local tourists as they will know that their service providers are certified and follow the highest hygiene and safety standards in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Bureau Veritas will provide independent assessment and certification for all stakeholders,” he said.
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification, with over 78,000 employees in over 1,500 offices and laboratories around the world. – Bernama, December 18, 2020
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