KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu tourism sector will be officially opened tomorrow but only to individuals who are fully vaccinated.

       State Tourism, Culture and Digital Technology Committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said the opening of the tourism sector includes popular island resorts like Pulau Kapas in Marang, Pulau Redang in Kuala Nerus, Pulau Tenggol off Dungun and Tasik Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu.

       “Actually, the island resorts have been open since early this month to individuals who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine but activities like snorkelling and diving are still not allowed.

       “As a result, many operators decided not to open shop since tourists who go to the islands look for such activities.

       “But beginning Sept 1, these activities will be allowed,” he told reporters after attending a special prayer for the reopening of the tourism sector in Terengganu, which is under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan.

       Ariffin reminded tourists and those participating in the activities to follow the rules and standard operating procedure.

       He said among the SOP agreed upon is that only completely vaccinated domestic tourists are allowed and premises owners must adhere to the public health protocol to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.

       Ariffin also said that in line with the opening of the sector, accommodation services like lodges, homestays and hotels are also allowed to operate.

       However, facilities like zoos, museums, theme parks and art galleries are still not permitted to operate.

       Also out of bounds is Pulau Perhentian following the detection of Covid-19 cases on the island.

       Ariffin said the island will only be opened after things return to normal.

       Meanwhile, he said to live up to the tagline “We are Safe to Visit”, the state government will continue to organise promotions of tourism products in the state to revive the industry.

       In another development, Ariffin said Terengganu is third in average hotel occupancy from January to June this year, after Sarawak and Perlis.

       He said based on the data collected from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Terengganu branch, the occupancy rate in the state is 35%, while Sarawak and Perlis each registered 62% and 42% respectively. — Bernama