Hoteliers say the industry is bleeding to death, while tourism minister Nancy Shukri says the reopening of borders is a key factor.
An industry insider said proposals on subsidies, discounts, and tax exemptions were among the ideas sent to the tourism ministry. Tourism minister Nancy Shukri said she had brought to Cabinet attention the problems of the hotel and tour industry. A key factor to recovery was the reopening of state and district borders, she said, but the decision was out of her hands.The hotel industry source said government measures so far fell short. “Other sectors can open but we cannot. As long as this situation persists, there is no hope for survival let alone recovery.
Malaysian Association of Hotels president N Subramaniam confirmed there has been “nothing positive” from the government about their proposals. “The hotel industry is bleeding to death, over 100 hotels have closed and many more are on the verge of closing down,” he said.