GEORGE TOWN: Penang should be given due consideration for the tourism bubble programme if tourism is to be revived in the country, says Malaysia Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman K. Raj Kumar .
He said in terms of restarting tourism, hoteliers were keen to see Penang as one of the spots to be considered for a tourism bubble.
“We heard of plans for Langkawi to be made one of the pilot areas for the tourism bubble programme and we hope Penang could be listed as well.
“Penang is also a tourist spot and I believe it is one of the top three tourism spots in the country.
“As such, if there are plans to restart tourism, Penang should be given consideration by the government,” he said.
Raj Kumar also called on the government to give priority for the tourism industry members to be vaccinated, adding that delivery riders, factory workers and those in the cargo and airline industries were receiving theirs.
He said hoteliers needed incentives and subsidies while hotel workers should be vaccinated, adding that at least 30% of the hotel staff should be vaccinated for a start.
“We hope the government can provide a wage subsidy for hotel staff and lift charges on assessment fees as well as look into more incentives for hoteliers,” he said.
