LANGKAWI: With interstate travel ban likely to be lifted soon, the government is now making preparations to welcome international tourists into the country.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry has been engaging with its overseas counterparts and also those in the airline industry.
"Our engagement is to see what is their expectations when they travel into the country.
"Once interstate is allowed, more local tourism spots will be opened for travelers to visit.
"The technical committee will improve the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) on this," she said in a press conference and the launching of Travel Safe Alliance (TSA) Malaysia at The Danna Langkawi here today.
She also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
Present during the signing ceremony were MOTAC secretary general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamad, Tourism Malaysia director general Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, MAH president Datuk N. Subramaniam, MACEOS president Francis Teo, and MAG group chief executive officer Izham Ismail.
TSA Malaysia will provide end-to-end safe travel solutions to travelers and uphold Malaysia as the preferred travel and business events destination in the global market.
Through TSA Malaysia, Nancy Shukri said that the industry will be given safe travel solutions made up of the "Travel Safe" label for travel and tour arrangements, "Clean & Safe Malaysia" for hotels, and "SafeBE" for Business Events and convention venues – all certified by Bureau Veritas Certification Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines will continue to be the flag bearer to vouch a seamless, safe and hygienic travel experience in line with its Fly Confidently campaign, she said.
She said the collaboration is seen as a timely move to facilitate and enhance Malaysia's leisure and business tourism, in line with the government's vision to increase tourist arrivals and receipts in our country.
"With increased attention to hygiene, health, and a safe environment – vendors in the tourism, hotel, and business events industries have enhanced such related protocols for the safety and comfort of all travelers.
"This MOU signed by MAH, MATTA, MACEOS and MAG signifies a strong commitment that is much needed from our industry players.
"I am confident that these certification programmes will restore the travelers' confidence in coming to Malaysia and I am sure that all of you will continue your good work in promoting Malaysia to the rest of the world," she said.