KOTA KINABALU – The move by the state government to push for the use of technology to revive Sabah tourism has been lauded by trade associations.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the use of digital marketing, online fairs, virtual reality, contactless operations and tracking system for travellers in green zones can be implemented to this end.
He said this in response to a statement by Sabah’s Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin who said the state was considering the use of technology to help review the tourism sector.
This included the use of applications that connect health data to ensure a tourist is healthy and free of Covid-19.
Tan said at present, travel demand is impaired by the current health crisis and its restrictions.
“Until travel restrictions are lifted, and strict health and safety protocols are implemented, it is hard to achieve pre-Covid tourist arrival numbers.”
He added more can be done enforcement-wise to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Sabah and continuous movement control order (MCO) is not good for business.
He has called on the federal government to assist the tourism industry players as it is an interconnected industry and no state can act alone.
“When we talk about domestic tourism, it ideally involves interstate travellers to visit Sabah and vice versa. Domestic travel within the state itself is insufficient to sustain the local tourism industry in Sabah.
Tan said the loan moratorium should be extended.
“If there is no extension from the government and Bank Negara on the matter, I fear as in any downturn and recession, more companies will wind up. Bankruptcy cases will also increase.”
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels Sabah and Labuan chapter chairman Hafizan Wong said the conditional MCO was a “step backwards” for the tourism industry.
“In October, Sabah recorded below 10% occupancy rate.”
Last Thursday, Jafry met with Sabah tourism players to hear their concerns and issues as the industry has been heavily affected during the pandemic. – The Vibes, October 26, 2020
