THE Penang government has pledged to rebuild its much-affected tourism industry once the movement control order (MCO) is lifted.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the tourism industry had contributed immensely to the growth of the state all this while.
He noted that tourism was the hardest-hit industry and it would be a great challenge for relevant stakeholders and the state itself to restore confidence.
He, however, said that the state would continue its initiatives by working with various stakeholders to rejuvenate the industry.
“The state government will not forsake the tourism industry but will rebuild it.
“We are planning ahead and working on domestic tourism for a start. We are also planning for a ‘back to normal’ situation.
“Hotels and facilities in Penang must be safe. Penang must prove itself to be a safe state to stay ahead of others once tourism resumes.
“Businesses that are allowed to operate must comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regain the people’s confidence.
“The Penang government is looking at offering incentive packages to encourage people to visit Penang,” he said after visiting the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Batu Ferringhi today.
Chow said that the Penang government would be talking to airlines and hoteliers to introduce tourism packages. The state is also working on the Penang Go Cashless initiatives.
Chow added that he would listen to the views of various stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Earlier, Chow had a fruitful discussion with those present.
Among the issues discussed were the challenges faced by the tourism industry and the hotels.
Also present were state Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, resort general manager Elaine Yue, communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman, Human Resources-West Malaysia area director JC Ramesh, commercial sales director Sharul Madi and resident manager Christoph Duker.
Meanwhile, the resort has been providing proper meals and amenities to the police and armed forces personnel manning the roadblock along Jalan Batu Ferringhi since the MCO was enforced on March 18.
The resort has also retained its staff throughout the MCO period without imposing any pay cut.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alvie Cheng