KUCHING: Travel agencies are among the businesses most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with zero bookings for tours outside the country.
To stay alive, many have shifted their focus to domestic tourism.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sarawak Chapter chairperson Lina Tsen said since the onset of the pandemic last year, most agencies had looked to domestic tourism and other related services.
She added that there had been many enquiries about the ‘Sia Sitok’ domestic tourism programme, but many were still hesitant to travel due to the threat of Covid-19.
“Plus, now we are under the conditional movement control order…and MASwings are not flying to Mulu yet.”
On the upside, Tsen said she had not heard news of any travel agency shutting down due to the pandemic.
“However, a lot are not opening yet as they are still waiting for the borders to open.”
On another note, she urged operators and staff of travel agencies to register for the Covid-19 vaccine if they had yet to do so.
“Always follow Sarawak Disaster Management Committee announcements closely, comply strictly with health standard operating procedures in order to contain the spread of the virus.”
Sarawak Matta currently has 153 registered agents and 16 branch agents.
