BUTTERWORTH – The Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Executive Councillor Office (Petace) is looking to vaccinate tourism frontliners to help revive the industry in the state.
To make this a reality, it has established a task force to spearhead the implementation of the Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for the Sustainability of Tourism Industry (Pikip).
Penang tourism exco Yeoh Soon Hin in a statement said the team has studied the framework and operations of the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (Pikas), which will be used as a foundation reference for Pikip.
“Nevertheless, Penang needs the green light and vaccine supply approval from the federal government to officially launch Pikip,” said the task force chairman.
He said this proposed programme is part of the Penang government’s long-term strategy in building a sustainable tourism landscape leading towards the revival of the industry in the state.
“Petace has submitted a formal vaccine request to National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, as well as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.”
The task force comprises a working committee steered by Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng, and members from tourism organisations, including the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Penang Tourist Guides Association, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents and Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association.
“Hence, Pikip will share a similar framework with Pikas, but on a much smaller scale,” said Yeoh.
“As the world continues to explore the possibilities of a travel bubble, we must ensure our tourism frontliners are ready for the occasion, so we remain competitive domestically and internationally.”
He said many entities such as hotels and airlines within the state are supportive of Pikip and have agreed to pool resources to help the state government achieve herd immunity. – The Vibes, June 26, 2021
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