Future’s looking bright for the travel industry

PETALING JAYA: It is looking bright for the Malaysian travel industry in light with the various relaxations to Covid-19 testing protocols, say travel groups.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the removal of pre-departure and arrival testing protocols for fully vaccinated travellers was timely with global practices.

“This can increase the confidence of tourists to visit Malaysia which will revitalise the airline and travel industries.

“Similarly, with Covid-19 travel insurance no longer mandatory for foreign tourists entering Malaysia, it can attract a higher number of foreign tourists,” he added.

Tan also noted that with the relaxations, he anticipated at least 10 million inbound tourists to Malaysia in 2022.

Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina Kuah said relaxation on the Covid-19 travel insurance formality would greatly benefit inbound tourists.

“Similarly, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to do so as it will ease the process of travelling both in and out of Malaysia,” she said.

At a press conference yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said beginning May 1, pre-departure tests and on-arrival tests were no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers aged 13 and above, those who were infected with Covid-19 within the past six to 60 days and those aged 12 and below.

He added that Covid-19 travel insurance was also not required for foreign travellers entering Malaysia.