On 10 October, the government officially launched Travel Safe Alliance (TSA) Malaysia; a series of end-to-end safe travel solutions, designed to restore confidence and pave the way for returning international travellers.
The TSA programme will inspect all tourism-related businesses to ensure they meet the highest possible health and hygiene standards. Those who make the grade will be certified depending on their sector: travel and tour providers will be certified “Travel Safe”, while hotels will be assigned “Clean & Safe Malaysia” status and MICE facilities will be confirmed “SafeBE.” All inspections and certification protocols will be independently verified out by Bureau Veritas Certification Malaysia.
“I am confident that these certification programmes will restore the travellers’ confidence in coming to Malaysia and I am sure that all of you will continue your good work in promoting Malaysia to the rest of the world,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, during the ceremony at the Danna Langkawi hotel in Teluk Burau, Langkawi.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
“This MOU signed by MAH, MATTA, MACEOS and MAG signifies a strong commitment that is much needed from our industry players,” said Nancy in her speech. “With increased attention to hygiene, health and a safe environment – vendors in the tourism, hotel, and business events industries have enhanced such related protocols for the safety and comfort of all travellers,” she added.
Panorama Destination Malaysia is one of the very first DMCs in Malaysia to receive the new certification from the government. Having already become a member of MATTA, the company is now officially certified under the Travel Safe label. The new TSA certificate was presented by the tourism minister to Ms. Shahida, who is Panorama Destination’s representative in Langkawi, during the event held yesterday.
“Being among the first few DMC certified by TSA is proof that Panorama Destination Malaysia is committed to the safety of our guests,” explains Noor M Ismail, who is General Manager of Panorama Destination Malaysia. “This will add more confidence when they travel to Malaysia, which is likely to happen very soon,” he added.
With restrictions steadily being lifted, vaccinations approaching completion and the tourism industry gearing up for the safe return of international arrivals, Malaysia’s travel revival is just around the corner.
