PETACH today rewarded 16 tourism operators with accreditation certificates for successfully complying with the standard operating procedure (SOPs) during Covid-19 pandemic.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had recently announced that Penang is the first state in Malaysia to initiate the accreditation system.
The system was aimed at motivating tourism operators and to let visitors have a trust in the operators during this crisis.
Among the participating sectors were hotels, tourist attraction spots and shopping malls.
They include PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, The Light Hotel, Entopia, Escape Theme Park, Gurney Plaza (event host), Sunway Hotel George Town and Seberang Jaya, Bayview Beach Resort, G Hotel Sdn Bhd, Iconic Hotel, Hompton by the Beach Penang, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, Teddyville Museum, Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Grand Orient Hotel and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.
“I would like to thank the state Health Department, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for working closely with my office (Petach) and the state government for making this programme a success.
“Public health and safety is of utmost importance. This system will help motivate all parties to play their part in adhering to hygiene and safety protocols while we work hard to revive the state’s economy.
“The evaluation team, which consists of officers from MBPP, MBSP and the Health Department, conducted audits and found that all participating parties have successfully complied with the SOPs,” Yeoh said during the presentation of accreditation certificates for Covid-19 preparedness at Gurney Plaza today.
Yeoh said that those accredited would receive an official logo that could be put up at their respective premises. The logo can be used to encourage visitors to visit their premises.
“Countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are practising this system. I want Penang to be the first state in our country to practise this system,” Yeoh added.
Gurney Plaza Centre Manager Peter Chan applauded the state government and all parties involved for implementing the system that has helped to boost stronger confidence among the public who are visiting hotels, tourist spots and shopping malls.
PARKROYAL Penang Resort safety and security manager Mohan Veerasamy said that Penang is a state that has always lead in various initiatives that benefits the people.
He also thanked the state government for the award.
“We will continue to comply with the SOPs and work harder for our beloved guests,” he said.
Also present were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and Ministry of Tourism and Culture Penang (Motac) director Jonathan Freddy Bagang.
Tourism operators who are interested to take part in this programme can apply via the penanglawancovid19.com/accreditation website.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian