PENANG’s battered tourism sector is expected to gradually pick up its pace of recovery, thanks to the lifting of interstate travel restrictions.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin was upbeat about the state’s tourism outlook, especially after seeing an influx of domestic tourists making their way up north over the weekend.
He said that most of the tourism spots and business operators in the state have started their operations after the interstate travel green light was given by the authorities.
“Many of the tourism operators are now overjoyed as they are now allowed to operate after a hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic.
“Tourism sector is an interdependent industry, linking to many of the other sectors.
“Hence, the recovery prospect will be benefitting to other sectors as well,” he told reporters after visiting some of the business operators at the heritage enclave of Armenian Street today.
During the visit, many tourists were seen visiting the heritage enclave while some police personnel could be seen patrolling the streets to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
Yeoh said the state was also looking forward to a tourism recovery plan to assist those stakeholders affected by pandemic.
Asked whether the arrival of hordes of outstation tourists would cause a spike in Covid-19 cases, Yeoh said it was important to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We need to be vigilant all the time, despite leniency is given by the authorities.
“We need to advocate the importance of ‘responsible tourism’ to ensure our livelihoods are not affected,” he said.
On the possibility of reopening the international borders soon, Yeoh was optimistic that it would ensure the state’s tourism growth.
Meanwhile, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran said many requests have been received from various industries for the holding of domestic business events.
“All business events can operate physically in accordance with the SOPs,” he said.
Ashwin added that the stakeholders are keen on having more than 90% of international business events in the state.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud