KOTA BHARU, Feb 28 (Bernama) — The 2020 Economic Stimulus Package announced by interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday will give tourism industry players room to “breathe”, in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic and global economic uncertainties.
Royal Guest House director Raja Rusmin Raja Mahmud said the various initiatives drawn up under the package including personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for domestic tourism-related expenditure would certainly help boost the domestic tourism sector.
“The income tax relief will also help boost hotel occupancy rate which has been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic and the global economic uncertainties due to the US-China trade war.
“The Economic Stimulus Package will also encourage government agencies to hold their events at hotels across the country thus ensuring the survival of the local hotel industry which has adversely affected by COVID-19,” he told Bernama here today.
Meanwhile, Jasa Teratai Holiday Sdn Bhd managing director Mimi Rodiah Abd Rahman described the introduction of the economic package as timely and could help travel agencies and tour operators affected by the disease.
“It’s a win-win situation for the industry players, the people and the country’s economic growth. As for the long-term benefits, it will open up people’s eyes and minds to always choose domestic travel destinations.
“The industry players can also utilise the additional matching grants provided under the package to carry out more marketing and promotional activities for their tourism products,” she added.
