GEORGE TOWN – Policies and standard operating procedures for the tourism industry must be thoroughly considered and deliberated on before announcing decisions that are applicable nationwide, sad Penang exco Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh, who holds the tourism, culture, heritage and creative arts portfolio, in a statement said tourism players have been left out of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), and that some policies on reopening the economy are confusing rather than enlightening.
“Fully vaccinated individuals are now allowed to stay at hotels and homestays within the same state, but the SOPs indicate no sign of reopening for other industry players such as tourist attractions.”
The Association of Tourism Attractions Penang has voiced concern over the reopening of outdoor tourist attractions, with the matter contained in a formal letter to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
“The rationale behind reopening outdoor tourist attractions is the same as the resumption of non-contact sports and recreational activities in states under Phases 2 and 3 of NRP. Outdoor and semi-indoor areas can open from 6am to 10pm,” said Yeoh.
“If individual outdoor sports without the need for people to wear a mask can be allowed, why can’t outdoor tourist attractions, especially ecotourism sites, also open, but with mask-wearing made a must for all visitors?”
He said policymakers must mull the fine balance between lives and livelihoods, especially given that tourism has stagnated because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are not requesting a full return of tourism activities, but a gradual reopening of certain sub-sectors, such as outdoor tourism attractions, with strict adherence to the SOPs.”
He highlighted that renowned outdoor tourism attractions in Penang, including The Habitat, Penang Hill Corporation and The TOP at Komtar, are part of the Covid-19 Safety Accreditation Programme.
The accreditation is issued to tourism establishments that meet the strict hygiene and safety standards set by local authorities.
“These operators are equipped with the competency to abide by all the necessary measures when welcoming visitors, allowing them to gradually recover and manoeuvre out of the doldrums,” said Yeoh. – The Vibes, August 14, 2021
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