KOTA KINABALU – Sabah is mulling adopting United Nations World Tourism Organisation health guidelines to restart its travel sector, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
In a statement today, he said it will include the use of a database on visitors’ health status to ensure they are free of Covid-19.
“This will require cooperation from tourists to provide their health data, while we provide an assurance that we will protect their personal data.”
He expressed confidence in the revival of Sabah tourism.
“For the short-term plan, we will upgrade existing tourism infrastructure to make it more comfortable for tourists, and follow the SOPs set by the Health Ministry.
“Post-Covid-19 tourism will be different, as the industry will utilise new technology and... forge collaboration with other countries in adopting new guidelines.
“This is the real image of the tourism sector of the future. Our success in handling this crisis depends on collaboration within the country, which will then determine our capability in handling any possibility in the future, whether the pandemic or climate change.”
Jafry said the ministry is ready to work with other nations and foreign investors towards this end.
He added that he listens to the issues raised by state tourism players, and will look into providing assistance to those affected by the virus crisis.
“I will set up a meeting with tourism operators here right after the conditional movement control order is over.”
Sabah’s tourism industry recorded at least RM320 million in losses in the period between January and early February alone after the coronavirus hit. –The Vibes, October 16, 2020
