KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism infrastructure in the country should be rejuvenated to help spur the industry in the recovery period following the Covid-19 pandemic, says the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
Its president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the upcoming tabling of Budget 2023 should reflect this and that emphasis should also be placed on modernising tourism infrastructure, removing unfavourable policies, addressing cash flow issues and increasing financing for international promotion.
“Tourism products have a life cycle, especially those untouched during the pandemic period. The infrastructure that needs to be upgraded include signages, resorts, boats, walkways and parks.
“We would like to request for the Budget to provide more funding for ageing tourism infrastructure, and we also expect an allocation for international promotion.
“On things like subsidies, aid or cash flow, they (government) talk about deferment or waiver but we don’t need that, we are already in a tax loss position,” he said, adding that they hoped the Budget would also provide greater aid and subsidies to tourism players.
Tan was speaking to reporters after launching the 51st edition of the MATTA Fair at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
He said since the majority of tourism enterprises were experiencing significant tax losses, tax incentives might not be beneficial in reviving the industry.
