Penang’s state exco for Tourism and Creative Economy lauds the resumption of staycation in hotels after a long hiatus.
This marks a glimmer of hope to uplift the livelihoods of the hoteliers.
“We urge the public to view the staycation packages as a form of support for hoteliers, as opposed to a form of travel as staycations will help avoid retrenchments, salary cuts and cease of businesses,” said Yeoh Soon Hin in a press statement.
He added that the permission for the fully vaccinated to stay in hotels is a significant booster of confidence for hoteliers, especially when the full recovery of tourism remains turbulent and uncertain in view of the spiking Covid-19 cases.
“Penang tourism ecosystem which underpinned our economic development as a major player in the services sector, has and is still experiencing detrimental impacts of the pandemic.
“The support from the public and their patronage will be an important and progressive step to ensure sustainability in the hotel industry, which will allow them to survive till the impending return of tourism when the situation allows,” he said.
He also pointed out that many Penangites have showed overwhelming support for local businesses, especially towards hawker stalls and small restaurants, which he believes that the same can be done for the hoteliers.
“Although staying in hotels with no access to facilities may bring some inconvenience, we need to understand that this can save livelihoods of many people,” he added after visiting The Prestige Hotel in Georgetown recently.
In the meantime, he commended the Prestige Hotel for implementing strict compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures and safety protocols.
