THE recent ‘anti-tourism campaign’ that caught the attention of many people through the creation of memes and comments on Facebook, was labelled nothing less than a potential harm towards the tourism sector in the state, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
“Warding off tourists may potentially harm the ecosystem and livelihoods of many people, especially those in the service sector and related industries, that are largely dependent on tourism.
“Tourism is not a single and an independent entity, instead, it is a major source of employment and job creation for many families.
“Many employments are related to the tourism sector.
“For example, the travel agencies, airlines, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, retail outlets, tourist attraction spots and others in the service sector,” Yeoh said after visiting the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort that has officially open to guests starting today.
Rainbow Paradise was one of the first hospitality properties to be converted into a persons under surveillance (PUI) quarantine hotel in Penang.
Its general manager Steven Ang said it was great news for the entire management team as the hotel is now back in business and ready to welcome guests once again.
“We have a total of 167 rooms in this hotel, but for now, we have decided to reopen only 40 rooms.
“As we all know, the hotel was previously functioning as a quarantine centre. Hence, it is our duty to ensure that all the rooms are thoroughly sanitised before opening them to our guests.
“The rest of the rooms will be open gradually. We have about 30 staff handling the operations here daily.
“Our coffee house is still close for now,” Ang told reporters during the press conference.
Meanwhile, Yeoh commended Rainbow Paradise because despite the challenges posed by the various movement control orders during the pandemic, the hotel had committed itself to succour the state government by transforming itself into a quarantine centre.
“Thank you Rainbow Paradise for all your efforts thus far. This has clearly shown that there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel,” Yeoh added.
He said, although the state borders were now open and that Penang is expected to welcome an influx of visitors starting this weekend, the state government has pledged that public health and safety would not be compromised.
“We need a balance between lives and livelihoods. I believe that the balance can be achieved through strict compliance to standard operating procedures (SOPs), hence, it is crucial for everyone to remain responsible and to play their roles respectively.
“I am glad that the tourism industry players are fully committed to ensuring a safe and vigilant environment for our visitors.
“It is paramount to remind everyone that another wave of outbreak will jeopardise the industry really bad.
“So, do not let your guard down and do the needful to stay safe,” Yeoh added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting