GEORGE TOWN – International tourist arrivals into Malaysia have been on the decline since 2014 and are further exacerbated at present, as the country grapples with widespread lay-offs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said it is a known fact that tourism growth in regional countries is higher, whereas international arrivals for Malaysia have been on the decline since 2014.
“Sadly, the days of ‘the government knows best’ still exist. Interestingly, the National Tourism Policy (NTP) 2020-2030, launched in December last year, does not address travel challenges under the new norm, nor provide any roadmap or framework for the next three years to revitalise the tourism industry post Covid-19.
“The NTP also does not mention domestic travel, which is crucial for tourism recovery due to the pandemic. There is no formal and exhaustive consultation with key industry leaders, like Matta, in the creation of the NTP.
“For a start, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry should focus on its core function, which is enforcement, licensing, regulating and policy changes.”
Tan said the ministry should not “meddle” with the functions of Tourism Malaysia, which mainly highlights destination promotions and marketing.
“Covid-19 has exposed fundamental cracks in the outdated Tourism Industry Act 1992, which needs urgent modernisation.”
He added that the lack of enforcement – a problem that has not improved regardless of the government of the day – has allowed the industry to weaken, further reducing the sector’s capacity to compete regionally, and improve its services and products.
“Apparently the law allows the government to act on licensed stakeholders, while unlicensed hotels and operators are allowed to flourish.
“One is forced to question the fundamentals underlying our laws and regulations if it does not protect and nurture those who abide by them?”
Tan said Matta, with its vast network, is ever ready to assist the government’s tourism recovery efforts.
Matta is a member association of World Tourism Alliance, Asean Tourism Association and Federation of Asean Travel Associations, and The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association.
Tan added that Matta is also ready to advise on making structural changes, which are needed in both the public and private sectors, but the impetus of change lies in the hands of the government. – The Vibes, January 30, 2021
