By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Jan 5 — The Selangor government is considering providing special incentives for the second time to tourism industry operators in the state who were affected following the Covid-19 outbreak.
State executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian said many tour guides, homestay operators and community hosts were forced to change jobs following the sluggish demand for the sector since March last year.
“If the financial situation permits, we will propose the assistance for the second time and obtain detailed information. The incentive may not be substantial but it will be able to help some of them cover their expenses,” said Hee on Media Selangor’s Bual Bicara talk show last night.
A total of 553 tourism industry players in the state comprising tour guides, homestay operators and community hosts received a one-off incentive totaling RM1,000 each on November 19, 2020.
The assistance is part of the Selangor Economic Recovery Package announced by the Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on July 13 last year.
Meanwhile, Hee said tourism industry players must be more creative in planning and organising strategies to attract tourists.
“In Singapore, for instance, they created dinners on aircrafts for their tourism industry. Of course it became an attraction because visitors are able to experience something new,” he said.
