KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM200 million has been allocated under the 2021 Budget to invigorate domestic tourism and the arts and culture industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the allocation was part of the RM1.14 billion set aside for the ministry under the budget.
She said efforts to promote domestic tourism would be intensified to safeguard the people's livelihoods.
Acknowledging that some industry players such as the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), Malaysia Umrah and Haj Travel Agency Association (Papuh) and Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) have expressed their views on the budget, she said the ministry had explained to them that funds would be allocated.
"The RM200 million allocation was not mentioned during the 2021 Budget announcement and I get why these industry players were concerned.
"However, I have discussed this with them and they are relieved that they will be benefiting.
"It is crucial for all to know that we want to help all the industries that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
For us, the 2021 Budget is very much welcomed as it is more than what we received in previous years.
"We are eager to use the allocation to ensure all industry players benefit so we can revive the economy. If the RM200 million allocation is not enough, we will ask for more," she said in an interview.
The allocation, she added, would be utilised for a tourism recovery plan next year which included travel destinations, transportation, shopping and services and frontliners package discounts.
It will also be used to boost the arts and culture sector, family holiday package discounts, accommodation vouchers and Meet in Malaysia campaign.
She said the ministry would promote the Visit Malaysia programme within the country to ensure tourist hotspots and destinations are known to locals.
Nancy said tourist hotspots and destinations could promote packages and attract more visitors as there were many products that have yet to be discovered.
"Hopefully, when the pandemic ends and the Covid-19 vaccine is available, foreign tourists will be able to check out our attractions and tourist packages through social media platforms.
There is still much to explore. "We should also give options to tourists as some prefer to visit places with less people," said Nancy, who is Batang Sadong member of parliament.
She said upskilling and reskilling would be available for tour guides who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
She said training would be provided for them to upgrade their skills to ensure that they could diversify.
"We must also ensure foreign tourists have the confidence to enter Malaysia and grab the tourism packages."
She said RM50 million would be set aside for repairs and maintenance works at all tourist attractions nationwide.
"A total of RM20 million has been set aside for infrastructure and to intensify the promotions of the cultural industry in Terengganu, Melaka, Sarawak and Negri Sembilan," she said, adding that more activities would be planned to ensure their sustainability during the pandemic.
-nst online.
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