Reference
– the above matter. I am putting up this proposal in my personal capacity, not
as a representative of my government.
The
world today is uncertain – what with terrorism, climate change and the threat
of deadly viruses striking and spreading rapidly – at any time.
With
the recent coronavirus from China affecting many people in China – and now
having made its way into 18 countries, we need to be proactive and think of
ways to allow people in a globalised world to have peace of mind.
Experts
have predicted that more new flu viruses are set to make their way into this
globalised world. That said, we cannot be living in fear all the time. Life has
to go on.
For
long-term planning and investment, I propose that Governments in all parts of
the world in partnership with entrepreneurs, developers or businessmen build a
budget hotel and hostel at their airports or entry points for a dual
purpose. This can be a pilot project.
Allow
me to explain.
The
proposed budget hotel/hostels can be managed by businessmen/entrepreneurs with
collaborations with the hospitality industry, Voluntary Welfare Organizations
and healthcare professionals.
During
periods when there is no outbreak of viruses, the hotel/hostels can be rented
out to tourists or anyone travelling –in and out of the country. Travelers may
want to rest and spend one or two nights before departing or visiting a
country. For example, if the flight lands at 1am or 12midnight in a particular country , the tourist may be
tired so he/she could spend one or two days at this proposed
affordable budget hotel /hostel, do some shopping at the duty-free shops
at the airport or nearby shopping malls, then go to stay at a 3
star or 4 star hotel afterwards for a longer period.
When
the traveler has to wake up for an early morning flight, he/she could also stay
at these proposed budget hotels/hostels one day before the flight to avoid
rushing or missing the flight. If the prices at these places are
affordable, the take-up rate will be good. The airlines can help promote these
resting places to passengers on their flights. Boils down to good sales
and marketing skills.
There
may be concerns that the hotels near the airport could lose business, so it can
be made necessary that the stay at either the hostel or budget hotel must only
be restricted to one or two days.
When
there is an outbreak of viruses, all checks can be done at these venues –
before the traveler/s enters the visiting country. They can be screened
and quarantined here – and if they are found to be infected, they can be
immediately sent to hospitals.
These
venues when thoroughly disinfected during quarantine periods can be a revenue
earner to boost the economy.
As
the symptoms of the coronavirus or other
unknown viruses may not show up until one week or even much later, that is the
period when travelers from affected countries could be quarantined.
If
viruses are poorly contained and people panic, the travel industry which
includes airlines and cruises will lose business.
Viruses
can spread like wild fire so it’s best to prevent virus carriers from going
past the airport or any other check point.
Additionally,
there is no issue of the proposed hotel/hostel becoming a white elephant if
good marketing strategies from the Tourism sector are applied.
Initially,
the construction of the budget hotel/hostels will not make money – but over a
period of time with good sales tactics, it can break even – and even make
money. Moreover, jobs can be created with budget hotels and hostels at major
checkpoints.
Every
investment has risk, but if we do not take risks, we will never know, would
we? Take heed of what the late Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister
of UK once said, “The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity.
The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
We
can’t afford to let infections spread given the bed crunch in public hospitals
and to be mindful that healthcare workers are at risks of getting infected and
even losing their lives.
There
is also the concern that the economy will take a beating when epidemics take
control of our lives – and when we tend to become so fearful that we find it so
hard to function.
If
every country or most of the countries have a hostel or budget hotel in the
checkpoints for a dual purpose, I have every confidence that we can manage
virus outbreaks – before it manages us.
I
would appreciate a reply from you, and if it takes a while to study my
proposal, an interim response would be good.
Thank
you and have a nice day!
Sincerely,
Raymond
Anthony Fernando
Profile
of the writer
Raymond
Anthony Fernando is a motivational speaker, poet, author, trainer, songwriter,
freelance television actor, ghostwriter, media celebrity and a regular
newspaper forum page writer. He is a Mental Health Ambassador with the
Institute of Mental Health (Singapore); and is Singapore’s leading advocate for
the mentally ill. The author of 36 books was married to Doris Lau
who authored 8 books. Raymond who was chosen as Model Caregiver
2007 and Mental Health Champion 2010 is born on Valentine’s Day and is a
contributing writer to the Buddhist Temple’s magazine, AWAKEN. He has
contributed 31 years’ service in the public sector, has 15 years’ experience in
public relations work and has received several awards and commendations from
government organizations.
Raymond
attributes his success to two wonderful people – his beloved wife, Doris and
his dear mother Mrs. Pearl Donna Fernando – both of whom have made a huge
impact on his life.
