GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government is eager to welcome back tourists from China, while local tourism players agree but are also calling for caution.
State executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin in a statement, said that Penang is ready to welcome back Chinese tourists as the country loosens its travel restrictions and abandons its zero-Covid-19 policy.
Yeoh said that the influx of China tourists is expected during the Lunar New Year next month.
Travel trade members here, meanwhile, are calling for caution after reports that many China tourists had tested positive upon arrival in Italy.
S. Ragesh, who runs a travel agency, told The Vibes here that there is a need to screen all travellers.
“We are not out of the woods as we were informed that there are daily cases.”
Hotelier Amran Taib urged the authorities to have a system to handle tourists coming in from countries with high rates of infections.
He added that the hospitality industry must also continue to be competitive despite the resurgence of Covid-19 in some countries, citing Thailand’s willingness to offer booster shots to foreign tourists to encourage arrivals and boost its tourism industry.
The Health Ministry is expected to announce Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers from China today, it was earlier reported.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has also been urging Malaysians to get their second booster shot or the fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, in anticipation of the influx of Chinese travellers next month when China fully reopens its borders.
He yesterday said the second booster shot is especially necessary for frontliners and those in the high-risk category. – The Vibes, December 30, 2022.
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