GEORGE TOWN – Although the country is reopening its domestic tourism and limited international travel, hoteliers say they still need the government to continue the wage subsidy programme next year as they move to consolidate operations.
This was at a recent roundtable discussion attended by G Hotel general manager Michael Hanratty, its communications director Christina Tan, Iconic Hotel Penang general manager Kevin Cheah Ui Mun, Star City Hotel general manager Eugene Dass, and Grand Orient Hotel general manager James Chang.
In their Budget 2022 wish list, they are hoping the government will help reduce operational expenditures until tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels.
There was also a proposal for utility providers to reduce commercial rates while respective local councils can reduce assessment fees and other forms of licensing.
“We are appreciative of any help that the Finance Ministry or other government departments can give us,” said Dass.
He added that there are music copyright requirements which the authorities have imposed for piped-in music played in common areas in hotels.
“The fees are quite steep, and we hope there is a reduction or a temporary waiver,” said Dass, who is also the Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Kedah/Perlis chapter chairman.
Hanratty then said there are hidden costs when it comes to adhering to standard operating procedures set by the government.
This is because hotels cannot have 100% dining capacity due to the need for physical distancing, as well as expenses incurred for regular sanitisation, face masks and other housekeeping chores.
Hoteliers have been highlighting the shortage of manpower, as those who were retrenched have yet to return, whereas some prefer to work from home.
Although rehiring workers is the hoteliers’ responsibility, Dass hopes there are related incentives for upskilling in Budget 2022.
Survival of northern tourism industry
Meanwhile, the tourism industry in the northern region hopes to get special focus in this Friday’s Budget 2022 unveiling to ensure the sector can survive in the Covid-19 endemic phase.
Northern Tourism Malaysia deputy director M. Yoganthiran said the sector hopes for a higher allocation compared with previous years.
“The tourism industry is the first to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the last to recover. So, we really hope the government can help provide more allocation because the existing allocation is insufficient,” he told The Vibes.
Yoganthiran said if the tourism sector can recover immediately, it will have a spillover effect on small and medium enterprises.
“Although interstate travel was allowed earlier this month, we still need support and assistance from the government to ensure the tourism industry continues to be on track for recovery.”
Tourism Langkawi president Ahmad Pishol Isahak said he hoped the government can provide assistance and concrete solutions to ensure the industry on the island remains competitive.
“We really hope the government can provide assistance such as grants, special loans, or at least tax rebates to help the tourism industry.
“Honestly, even though we have been allowed to operate, it is still not enough to cover almost two years of losses," he said.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will present the 2022 national budget tomorrow, expected to focus on economic recovery, rebuilding the country’s resilience, and catalysing reforms. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
Additional reporting by Sofia Nasir
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