KUCHING: As the community learns to live with Covid-19, the reopening of the tourism industry is a significant indicator that the circumstances are improving and that people are moving forward with their hope and freedom restored.
In saying this, Olivia Ting, general manager and executive director of Meritin Hotel, said that after being crippled for nearly two years now, this movement will create a positive chain effect in the economy.
“We will see vast improvement as job opportunities widen and companies start experiencing healthy revenue flow again,” she said to New Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Sept 29).
Nevertheless, she said the end process was not going to be uniform.
“It is a biological and social phenomenon that is likely to be messy, with most of us still needing to brace for many more months in the pandemic’s grip.
“We have to approach it with our eyes wide open and with a great deal of humility, at same time, keeping ourselves disciplined and watching out for each other as we adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by our government,” she said.
She pointed out that for most people, this pandemic had indeed been their worst nightmare.
“It is not just a physical challenge but mental and emotional as well with people battling anxiety and depression,” she said.
With Meritin Hotel, Ting said their priority throughout the pandemic had been to sustain the welfare of their employees by keeping their business afloat.
She said they had pivoted almost immediately in response to what was needed by the government then — becoming a quarantine hotel.
“Thankfully, that manoeuvre regenerated us and we managed to steer away from the unfortunate state of closing down,” she said.
She said an unnerving reminder from the Covid-19 pandemic was to never stay too comfortable, as things and plans do change.
“We need to adopt an adaptive behaviour so that we are better equipped and well-planned for any challenges that may arise. Even as we are now preparing for the next phase, we are still keeping our eyes and ears wide open.
“The pandemic will leave a lasting legacy for years to come, and like many others, I am hoping it will all be rainbows and sun from here onward,” said Ting.
