By V. Sivaji
The Penang Hoteliers’ Association (PHA) held its 63rd-anniversary dinner and swearing-in ceremony of its new committee at the Cititel Hotel here recently.
This time around the event was a more low key affair due to the covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Nevertheless, some 90 guests attended the occasion which was graced by Penang Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yeoh Soon Hin.
“Tourism this year marked a significantly different year from before. The Covid-19 pandemic threw a curveball to what was supposedly a very exciting tourism year in our calendar with Experience Penang 2020 combined with Visit Malaysia 2020 year nationwide.
“We see the same trend all over the world with 100% of global destinations imposed Covid-19 travel restrictions according to UNWTO.
“The hotel industry suffered a setback during this period. Throughout this period, the Penang State Government has continuously supported and engaged the industry,” said Yeoh in his address.
He also added that the Skim Peka 2.0 was rolled out, offering interest free loans of up to RM50,000 to qualified players in order to sustain their businesses during the hard times.
“With the reopening of domestic borders, we have seen the return of domestic tourism gradually since 10 June 2020. We have also launched the Responsible Tourism campaign, becoming the first state to adopt this approach towards instilling a sense of responsibility among all.
“The concept of responsible tourism is conceived as I believe the process of making tourism a safer journey is everyone’s responsibility, and requires the cooperation of all,” added Yeoh.
In the meantime, PHA chairman Dato Lim Mee Lee hoped that tourists from Green Zone countries can be considered to visit the country so that it will help the industry.
“Failing which, many of our member hotels might have to cease operations for good,” said Lim.
Among these green zone countries include Taiwan, Parts of Australia and New Zealand.
The new PHA 2020/2021 committee consists of :- Chairman- Dato Lim Mee Lee, Deputy Chairman – Loh Peng Hong (Hotel Malaysia), Vice Chairman – Amir Hisham (Cititel Hotel) & Foong Hong Beng (Kimberly Hotel), Secretary – Loh Peng Cheng (Waldorf Hotel), Assistant Secretary – Lee Kee Wan (Eng Loh Hotel) & Loke Kheng Pin (Peng Sia Hotel), Treasurer – Tan Hong Poh (Central Hotel), Assistant Treasurer – Loh Nam Leng (Red Rock Hotel), Committee Members – Michael Fong (Oriental Hotel), Yeoh Soo Kor (Ban Aun Hotel), Dato Loo Kay Thye (Super 8 Hotel), Tan Eng Hooi (Eastern Hotel). Executive Advisor – Tony Goh (Wembley Hotel).