March 10 — Interstate travel for tourism between states placed under the recovery movement control order (RMCO) under the targeted travel bubble programme is expected to restore the tourism sector in stages.
He said industry players and tourists should adhere to the requirements set to prevent the emergence of a new cluster, the tourism cluster, which could lead to the implementation of the third movement control order (MCO).Goh said those from the states under the RMCO who wish to visit Melaka could use the services of 80 travel agents under MATTA registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).Meanwhile, Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina W.L Kuah said the requirements imposed on these tourists were quite burdensome and costly as they would have to use the services of travel agents, adding that movement was also quite restricted compared to if they were allowed to use their own vehicles.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the "bubble", which allows travel for tourism between states that come under the recovery movement control order (RMCO) from today, would indirectly open up space and opportunities for businesses in the sector to return to full operations."Certainly, this can be the beginning of a new chapter as a catalyst for the industry to rise again, further helping the survival of workers involved in the tourism sector chain," she said in a statement today.
DG Zulkifly Md Said said the government plans to attract essential and leisure travellers into the country via the travel bubbles to revitalise the tourism and culture industry as the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.“Apart from Indonesia, we are hoping for a travel bubble with Singapore, which is connected to Malaysia via all modes of transport, including road, air and sea.“Brunei is also another country that we look at.