KUALA LUMPUR: The reopening of interstate and interdistrict travel in most areas nationwide has provided cause for optimism among tourism players, who are hoping for the industry to rebound following the devastating economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourism sector operators are expecting a pick-up in the volume of domestic tourists, who had been barred from travelling due to the restrictions under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which was lifted on Monday.
In Langkawi, tourism players are offering discounts to attract visitors to the tax-free holiday destination.
Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-chairman (Kedah and Perlis branch) Razmi Rahmat said almost all the members of the association, especially in Langkawi, were offering discounts of between 50 and 70 per cent.
"MAH does not make it mandatory for members to offer discounts on the prices of accommodations, but an average of almost 40 members involving three- to five-star hotels have taken the initiative to give discounts of between 50 and 70 per cent.
"This offer started before the CMCO, but was affected due to its implementation.
"Tourists are advised to do some research and visit the Langkawi hotel websites to find accommodations that suit their budget," he told Bernama.
Razmi hopes that the hospitality industry partners will continue the promotions until the end of the year or early next year to allow tourists to enjoy attractive accommodation rates.
Based on the statistics released by the Langkawi Development Authority, the island received almost four million visitors (3,924,326) last year, but due to the pandemic, visitor arrivals between January and August this year stood at only 1,281,107.
In Kota Kinabalu, hoteliers expressed relief over the Sabah government's new standard operating procedures (SOP) for the reopening of facilities to guests.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had, on Monday, said the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry had outlined guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, including the reopening of swimming pools with physical distancing measures in place.
MAH Sabah and Labuan Chapter acting chairman Hafizan Wong said its members welcomed the new SOP.
"It's a great opportunity for locals to get away without having to travel out of town.
"Swimming pools are able to attract families, especially during the weekends. It will help jumpstart the hotel business.
"Hoteliers are supportive of the proposal to reopen swimming pools to the public with a maximum of 10 persons in and around the pool to safeguard public health."
Wong, who is also the general manager of Promenade Hotel, said the reopening of each small business would go a long way.
"However, we must balance it with adherence to the SOP. Lifeguards and hotel employees will have to enforce the rules.
"It is not only for swimming pools, but also for restaurants (and other facilities in the hotel)."
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk K.L. Tan said the Sabah government's decision to allow tourism to conditionally resume would help rebuild the industry.
"We hope that as the next step, the state government will review the Covid-19 test requirements for travellers from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak."
Sabah Tourism Board general manager Noredah Othman said the board had been promoting services such as food and beverage, as well as co-working space on social media platforms.
"Industry players can continue to submit their promotions for this free listing. In addition, we have collaborated with Carhub and MasWings on two campaigns to maintain the travel vibes and interest.
"That is the least we can do on the forefront besides ensuring that we are ready to re-engage aggressively once the borders for travel are open."
In Penang, a key travel destination for those in Peninsular Malaysia, an influx of visitors is expected following the lifting of restrictions on interstate and interdistrict travel.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin urged visitors to practise "responsible tourism" by adhering to the SOP.
"Many visitors will come to Penang now that interstate and interdistrict travel is allowed, except for areas under the Enhanced MCO.
"The Covid-19 pandemic is still not under control. As such, it is our responsibility to ensure that we comply with the SOP at all times when travelling," he said in a Facebook post.
Yeoh said Penang was the first state to launch the "responsible tourism" concept on July 30.
"Following the launch, my office, as well as the state Health Department, Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai City Council conducted monitoring in tourist hotspots such as hotels, tourism attractions, shopping complexes and other related locations to ensure full compliance with the SOP."
It was reported that Penang initiated the Covid-19 safety accreditation programme in July to enhance the compliance of the tourism industry with emphasis on safety and hygiene, the two key elements to regain travellers' confidence. Those who fulfil the safety accreditation standard will be given an official certification mark or logo to be displayed on their premises and for use in advertising and promotional materials.
The pandemic has impacted the tourism sector in the state with the closure of several hotels since March.
Hawkers have complained of poor business in recent months following the implementation of several phases of the MCO.