IPOH: Tourism industry players will receive one-off aid from the state government to lessen their burden in the midst of pandemic, says Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi.

       The state Tourism, Local Government and Housing Committee chairman said the allocation would be given to tourism players under six different categories.

       "Registered tourist boat owners at Royal Belum, Kuala Sepetang, Kampung Dew and Teluk will receive RM500, while 38 members from the Pulau Pangkor Resort and Hotel Association will receive RM2,000.

       "Financial aid will also be given to taxi drivers, souvenirs manufacturers, as well as tourist and explorer agencies," she said during the state assembly sitting on Monday (Aug 30).

       Nolee Ashilin said about 560 registered hotels under the local government would be exempted from licensing fee while tax exemption would be given to theme parks, as well as license and permit renewal.

       "Based on a survey conducted, Perak is still one of the choices for domestic tourists. So it is crucial to further strengthen the Perak tourism scene in order to generate a better economy for the public.

       "Depending on the current standard operating procedure, two events in November and December will be held - Pangkor Endurance and Taste of Perak," she said, adding that these are among the short-term plans mooted by the state government.

       "For a long-term solution, we have already listed several plans including conducting business matching for the domestic market as well as launching the Revisit Perak campaign.

       "We are also collecting more than 100 tourism programmes to be listed in the 2022 and 2023 tourism calendar that covers entertainment, art and culture," she said.