It is business as usual at Shangri-La`s Golden Sands Resort, Penang with facilities and services undisrupted…
It is business as usual at Shangri-La`s Golden Sands Resort, Penang with facilities and services undisrupted, following the December 26, 2004 North Sumatra quake that affected other parts of the region.
Even though sited at the beachfront of Batu Feringgi, the famous stretch of beach on the island`s north shore, the property was not damaged as the area is geologically sheltered and not as vulnerable as other places. The resort is tranquil and safe with no casualties to either guests or employees.
Located in the Straits of Malacca where the seabed is shallow, Penang is relatively protected from tidal wave phenomena. Natural disasters on the island are rare due to its geographical position.
Furthermore, Penang was never on a direct path of the dangerous tsunami caused by the quake. The relatively smaller waves hitting its shores were secondary waves brought about not by the quake proper but by resultant vibrations on the eastern side of Sumatra, away from the epicenter.
Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said: There was no major casualty along the one and a quarter mile stretch of Batu Feringgi and no reports of death or injury to foreign tourists.
Due to this, there have been no reports of guests checking out or cancelling advanced bookings following news of the regional disaster.
The tidal wave has not affected us to the extent of other destinations in the region, added Arbind K. Shrestha, general manager of Shangri-La`s Golden Sands Resort.
In fact, patronage has actually increased, according to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel (MATTA), as tourists are diverted here from affected regions.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter reported that hotel occupancy remains above 75%, while Malaysia Airlines has disbanded its 24-hours assistance center in Penang as there was not a single request for flight revalidation or cancellation.
All marine recreational activities are ongoing as usual, and hotels have spruced up their respective shorefronts.
Local news daily, The Star, reported tourists being interviewed saying they had no intention of leaving Penang early.
We are not going to leave just because of this, said Grant Brewster, a 43-year old Briton on holiday with his family.
Business manager Michael Jordan from Perth said I have been visiting Penang almost every year since 1973. The tsunami phenomenon here was indeed a new experience to many of us, but it would not stop me from returning to my favorite holiday destination, Penang.
Coupled with the comparatively lower natural risks, a reliable and disciplined early warning system helped to further avert casualty.
Lifeguards at the Baywatch observation tower located in front of Shangri-La`s Golden Sands Resort raised a red flag upon noticing choppy waters, following which all other hotels were informed to warn their guests to stay away from the beach.
Nevertheless, to ensure optimum safety for visitors and locals, hotels have boosted surveillance activities with the Civil Defense volunteers along the beach belt. A concerted effort is also continuing with the Malaysian Civil Defense Department and the Malaysian Meteorological Services Department to monitor sea conditions.
But though Penang`s tourism sector has been unhurt, the industry is very aware of the tragedy in towns and settlements elsewhere that were not as fortunate.
Shangri-La`s Golden Sands Resort has taken the initiative to organize donation drives for the victims. Proceeds will be channelled to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Mercy Malaysia and the Malaysian Tsunami Disaster Fund.
Arbidn K. Shrestha expressed sympathy for families of those perished and injured. It is imperative that the industry in Penang responds to their plight, he said. Because we have been fortunate to be in a much safer position than others is only greater reason that we do all we can to help those who have become victims of this unprecedented tragedy.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
