Duty to ensure tourists are safe

THE boat tragedy involving a group of tourists from China, “CNY holiday outing turns tragic” (The Star, Jan 30), was a truly unfortunate incident.

While the rescue efforts have been highly commendable, the big issue moving on would be the investigations into the cause of the tragedy.

We must view this incident seriously, more so as it involves a group of tourists from China.

While I don’t deny that all human life irrespective of nationality or race is precious, the fact that the victims of the tragedy are visitors to our country makes the issue even more important.

Why and what is so important about the Chinese tourists to our tourism industry are known not just by the relevant authorities and industry players but perhaps the man on the street as well.

The tragic incident which happened off the coast of Sabah, a popular destination for many Chinese tourists to Malaysia who consider Sabah as their sun, sand and sea paradise, is one that is so unfortunately pitiful.

Sabah is undoubtedly one of Malaysia’s “Jewel in the Crown” as far as natural assets and eco-tourism are concerned. The state is a magnet and paradise for visitors, especially tourists from China who have been coming back in droves after several untoward incidents happened to their fellow nationals, including the MH370 tragedy and kidnapping off Sabah’s east coast. Their comeback is most welcome after the hiatus, which had left a huge dent on tourism revenue in Sabah in particular and the country in general.

In our quest to have a share of the large China tourism pie and the might of its tourist dollars, nobody will dispute that today, Chinese tourists are a force to reckon with.

Simply said, every country in the world is now fighting to win over China’s new wave of travellers who are going further afield from their traditional Greater China area of Hong Kong and Macau.

With this year being “Visit Asean@50” year, attracting tourists to our shores will be even more competitive as we need to compete with our other neighbouring countries, especially Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, which have almost the same wow factors as us.

Thus, what’s of the foremost importance is ensuring that these visitors, who are our special guests, are happy and safe in our country.

I couldn’t agree more with the comments of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman that the rel- evant authorities must enforce stricter regulations on boat operators who ferry passengers, including tourists, out to sea.

All parties must play their role to ensure that our special guests are not just well treated but are also in good and capable hands until they leave our country.

Travelling is about making memories, and I quote the well-known traveller Ibn Battuta: “Travelling – It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

I am positive that many tourists who have visited our country were impressed by our charm and beauty. Let that be their wonderful memories to share with their friends and relatives back home. What’s important to us is to be good and responsible hosts.