TOURISM operators and other stakeholders in the state are all for the Penang-Singapore Vaccinated Travel Lane by air (VTL-Air), which is set to kick start on March 16.
According to Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Raj Kumar, the announcement was a timely boost for the tourism operators in the state.
“Many of them, particularly those from the tourism and hospitality industry have been dealt a severe blow, especially during the pandemic, and strict restrictions being imposed back then.
“This decision will be a new beginning for Penang tourism.
“On top of that, the VTL-Air without being required to quarantine upon arrival is much lauded.
“There won’t be any hassle for travellers from both sides, while those vaccinated travellers can travel conveniently.
“Singapore is the first country to join in the VTL and I hope more neighbouring countries can be allowed soon,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Khor Ming Yang, who is the Airborne Sdn Bhd managing director, was upbeat on the announcement made.
“It’s definitely a positive step in the right direction, as we can see that Penangites had already travelled to Kuala Lumpur via VTL flights.
“The travellers can also travel with ease and lower costs with VTL flights.
“This will help to lift up the state’s tourism and aviation sector, which will provide the optimism and better prospects in the months to come,” he said.
Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Penang Chapter chairman Andy Chuah said that the announcement would be able to assist the tourism industry.
“However, a clear guidelines should be prepared to ensure the travellers adhere to the relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“For instance, appropriate guidelines on the number of days are allowed for vaccinated travellers to stay must be released accordingly,” he said.
Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah said that the business community would be benefited.
“We should catch up with other countries, especially when our vaccination rate has been high.
“We should grab this opportunity to gradually reopen our borders, but SOPs must still be taken into account,” he added.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had yesterday revealed that preparations for Penang-Singapore (VTL-Air) were progressing smoothly.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees