In light of the ramped-up vaccination process underway, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Kedah/Perlis) had a virtual meeting with the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Nancy Shukri to put forward their proposals to re-open Langkawi to tourists.
This initiative will make Langkawi, only the second island to open to tourists after Phuket in this part of the world.
MAH Kedah/Perlis chairman, Eugene Dass said that the utmost importance is the safety and the well-being of the visitors.
As such, strict standard operating procedures (SOP) will be implemented.
Among the proposals which has been put forward are :-
1) Clean and Safe Certification by Bureau Veritas to boost confidence of travellers/visitors
2) Strict Implementation of SOPs for all
3) Allow those with two jabs to dine in and stay in hotels with immediate effect
4) Those with double dose of vaccination are allowed local travels from identified green bubble locations
5) All Stakeholders to design attractive promotions in preparation for Langkawi’s reopening
6) Airlines to offers special airfares for travel to Langkawi
7) Hotels to offer special packages
8) Car rental to offer promos
9) Retailers to consider the Great Langkawi Sale
10) Welcoming ceremony to be held at Langkawi International Airport (LIA) to welcome the 1st Flight following strict SOPs
11) Mini Travel Fair to be held at LIA involving local attractions
12) Discount vouchers from Langkawi attractions.
13) Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) should give incentives to airlines and hotels to bring in guests
14) Need of contingency plan, medical backup & support, emergency evacuation etc, get Global Doctors to be partners on standby. (Take note of Singapore’s cruise cases.)
“Among the stakeholders supporting the proposals are MAHO, MyBha, MATTA, Airlines Retail outlets, Local attractions and car rentals.
“For the immediate consideration, we call to allow Staycation for residents of Langkawi effective August 2021 for those who have received two doses. Also, for dine ins to be allowed for those who have received two doses.
“We have to take into account that hotels have spent a lot of money on maintenance, enhanced cleaning supplies and equipment and also staff training all this while.
“MAH Kedah / Perlis is a 53-member strong organization employing some 5,000 to 6,000 workers in the industry, ” said Eugene.