GEORGE TOWN – In a bid to overcome travel limitations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia plans to help establish common safety protocols for international travel in the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).
The country, which now holds the chair of the United Nations body’s Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, is undertaking this initiative to revive the tourism sector, particularly in destinations in the two regions.
According to information from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac), the protocols will include a comprehensive testing system for departing travellers.
The issue was discussed during a WTO regional meeting for East Asia and the Pacific last month.
“We believe it can help ease the complex process of discussions and bilateral talks between countries, while ensuring that our borders are reopened in a careful and calibrated manner that safeguards public health,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in an email reply to The Vibes.
Similar plans are under way to arrange a proposed Asean “travel corridor” to salvage cross-border tourism.
The aim is to maximise domestic tourism to keep hotels running and stimulate local economies until the situation normalises.
Key strategies in the plan include arranging rebates, incentives and vouchers for local attractions.
Travel bubble only if virus contained
Motac is also looking into potential “travel bubbles” in the form of direct destination-to-destination packages and isolated island excursions to nurse the industry back to health.
These may involve small group tours for special-interest tourists, such as golfers, divers, bird watchers, hikers and caving specialists, organised by registered travel operators.
“This segment of tourism is considered low-risk due to the nature of its activities, which normally involve a small number of tourists and minimise interactions with the general public,” said Nancy.
“While this concept is promising, any considerations are always subject to strict health and safety measures by the relevant authorities.”
She was replying to The Vibes’ query on emulating the “travel bubble” concept put in place by Singapore and Hong Kong last month to allow travel between the two countries without quarantine – provided that travellers test negative for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Khoo Boo Lim said while the concept is something to look forward to, it is possible only if the two countries in a travel route have managed to control the spread of the virus.
“At this moment, with the recent increase in cases in Malaysia, I'm sure no country would like to have a travel bubble with us.”
He said it is important to flatten the curve, manage the situation well and adhere to standard operating procedures to send a message to the world that the country is safe, and its people are disciplined and determined to overcome the pandemic. – The Vibes, November 11, 2020
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