KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 — The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and state governments are set to collaborate in speeding up preparations to receive foreign tourists.
This comes following the announcement of the government that the national borders would be reopened on April 1, which is hoped to reinvigorate the national tourism and cultural industries badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The period from 2022 to 2023 is a critical phase for the recovery of the tourism and cultural industries,” MOTAC said in a statement today.
As such, the ministry said several matters would be stressed during the recovery period, namely, domestic and international tourism; re-enlivening the arts and culture eco-systems, and enriching economic generating activities through the creative industry in the fields of arts and culture.
“Also being stressed upon is to add value to business events: upgrading and maintaining tourism amenities including national heritage buildings and sites; and opening the national borders,” said the statement.
The statement also informed that Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri chaired the first meeting of the National Tourism and Cultural Development Committee (JKPPK) for the Year 2022 here today.
“Besides representatives from the ministry, the meeting also involved the participation of state Tourism and Culture executive councillors and representatives of state government departments or agencies concerned.
“This meeting is a platform between MOTAC and the state governments to discuss issues and share information on the development of the tourism and cultural industries, especially at the state level,” said the statement.
The ministry said four information papers were tabled, namely, National Cultural Policy (DAKEN) which was launched on Oct 26, 2021; Budget 2022 under the Tourism and Culture Sectors; Funds Under The Supervision of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB); and Special Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ).
“The matters discussed during the meeting included government assistance or incentives to ensure the survival of the industry players; promotion and marketing for tourism and cultural products in the states; manpower in the tourism and culture industries including human capital development and the reopening of the national borders,” it said.
