KOTA KINABALU: A Road Map will be drawn up as part of the recovery measures for the State tourism sector in anticipation of the post-pandemic Covid-19 period.
This was decided during the inaugural Sabah Tourism Recovery Committee meeting chaired by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the Sabah Tourism Board here Wednesday.
“The formulation of the Road Map has been agreed upon during today’s meeting with captains of the tourism industry in Sabah,” said Bangkuai.
Among others, the Road Map is aimed at protecting jobs and businesses through incentives, tariffs and discounts.
Importantly, the Road Map would be drawn up in parallel with the 3R concept set out by the government that is Recovery, Revitalise and Reform.
According to him, the industry players also requested that the relief assistance has to be inclusive so that it reaches the targetted group.
“Also discussed was the need for the reskilling and upskilling for the various tourism workers to be facilitated online during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period,” said Bangkuai.
The industry captains also agreed that domestic tourism including rural be boosted in green districts in Sabah.
Also suggested was the possibility of introducing a Green Accreditation for all tourism and hospitality outlets in Sabah, as a measure to allow opening back of their businesses.
In a nutshell, he said the meeting discussed on the challenges and getting input on the way forward for Sabah tourism in anticipation of the discovery of the new vaccine for Covid-19.
All inputs would be forwarded to the State Government, he said.
Also in attendance were General Manager Noredah Othman as well as Malaysia Travel and Tour Association (Matta) president, Datuk Tan Kok Leong, Sabah Travel and Tour Association, Datuk Winston Liow, Federation of Rural Tourism Sabah President Walter Kandayon, Malaysia Association of Hotel Sabah Chapter Acting president Hafizan Wong, Sabah Tourist Guide Association president Grace Leong, Sabah Tourist Association president Tony Chew, Sabah Budget Hotel Association James Ong, Matta Sabah Chapter chairman Lawrence Chin and Sabah Bumiputera Tourist Guide Association president Dabalun Balau.-BorneoGazette
