12 Jan 2021 / 08:51 H. Pix for representational purpose only.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12: The easing of interstate travel restrictions beginning Dec 7 provided a welcome reprieve for hotels and express bus operators who saw a jump in their businesses.
However, the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks has forced the government to reimpose the ban on interstate travel nationwide and enforce a 14-day Movement Control Order (MCO) in five states (Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah) and three federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan), beginning 12.01 am tomorrow (Wednesday).
Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan will be placed under Conditional MCO (CMCO) while Perlis and Sarawak will remain under Recovery MCO.
PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 pandemic, which infected millions internationally, causing unprecedented border closures and travel restrictions, has left the tourism and travel sector in shambles around the world.
Analysts are predicting that when the recovery process starts, the travel and tourism sector may be the last to recuperate once the dust settles.
Ushering in 2021, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri called upon industry players to maintain their efforts in reviving the tourism sector.
Tourism industry players, she said, should continue introducing attractive packages periodically to maintain public interest.
They must also abide by the Health Ministry’s SOP in order to ensure the sustainability of the tourism economy.
Vacation mode: Local tourists checking in at a hotel in Petaling Jaya. Hotels across the country are getting a boost in bookings for the Christmas and New Year holidays. GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Hotel bookings are gradually picking up at popular tourist destinations for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
However, bookings in city areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor remain low, say industry players.
Malaysian Association of Hotels chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said bookings were on the rise, mostly at resort hotels in beach and island areas, with hotel bookings in Kuala Lumpur remaining low.