KUALA LUMPUR: There have been mass cancellations for inbound and outbound tours to and from China due to the travel restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said.
Industry stakeholders were worried about the effect of the deadly 2019-nCoV (Wuhan coronavirus) would have on Visit Malaysia 2020, Matta added.
Its president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said Matta, however, welcomed the firm and decisive action by the China government in containing the situation via the travel ban.
“We are (also) in full support of the Malaysian government’s efforts in containing the threat and the measures put in place.
“The number of China tourists travelling to other countries, including Malaysia, is bound to drop, and so is the number entering China. But for other parts of the world including this region, it should be business as usual,” said Tan in a statement today.
Tan said Matta looking into recovery measures to mitigate the losses suffered by the tourism industry due to the the spread of the 2019-nCoV (Wuhan coronavirus).
Matta said the association together with key industry stakeholders had held discussions with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Health on the challenges and ways to help the local tourism industry weather the storm.
“Matta has proposed forward-looking recovery measures which include preparations to vigorously promote Malaysia to China once it is safe for Chinese tourists to travel.
“As well as to harness the power of big data to implement smart strategies that can be applied immediately to keep the Malaysian tourism industry robust and flexible during this time of crisis,” it added.
Tan said the tourism industry would certainly be impacted by a lesser number of tourists from China, which is the world’s largest outbound market.
He said Malaysia, however, was proven to be resilient as it had survived the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in 2012.
“Matta hopes the situation is contained in the short term, otherwise, the repercussion will be severe as it will affect the tourism on a global scale,” Tan added.
Matta called on hotels, airlines, tour operators and other service providers to be flexible in cancellation policies and working closely with the local authorities to ensure the safety and security of tourists and tourism frontliners.
“Local hotels and tour bus operators have stepped up hygiene and tourist guides are on the alert to look out those displaying symptoms,” the association said.
Meanwhile, Matta honorary secretary general Nigel Wong said there was still a need to treat Chinese tourists who are currently in Malaysia with dignity and accord them as much assistance during the trying time.
“They are our guests and our hospitality and care will go a long way towards reinforcing Malaysia’s image as a trustworthy long-term tourism partner not just to the Chinese but to nations the world over,” said Wong.