Langkawi tourism may only pick up in June, industry players predict

LANGKAWI – Although many parts of the country started to welcome international travellers yesterday, the tourism industry here is expecting to see a positive impact three months later.

While foreign tourists and Malaysians living overseas are returning, industry players said it will take time for arrivals to go up substantially as global tourism will fully rebound in 2024.

Yesterday, the resort island welcomed foreign tourists, especially dozens from Singapore, but industry veteran Ahmad Pishol Isahak observed that the arrivals are a stark contrast to pre-pandemic times.

He said tourists could be bogged down with travel requirements in their home countries and the destinations where they are heading to.

Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Alexander Issac said the industry expects the arrivals to only pick up in June.

He added that arrivals are often low during the fasting month, which starts tomorrow.

However, the travel industry will have to continue its aggressive marketing while dealing with labour shortage and rising operational costs.

He also urged the Finance Ministry to come up with fiscal incentives that can stimulate the industry and consumer activities while addressing inflation concerns.

Meanwhile, Reginald T. Pereira, who manages the Tg Rhu Resort, agreed that European tourists may only plan their trips here June onwards, as they will take time to understand the latest travel standard operating procedures.

He said tourists from the Asean region, especially Singapore, may be coming in, but expects momentum to only build over several months.

Langkawi Development Authority chief executive officer Nassaruddin Abdul Muttalib said in a statement that the island resort expects 2.2 million tourist arrivals this year following the reopening of the borders.

The island is also organising several programmes to draw in tourists, such as the Ironman Triathlon competition, international beach football, and the Asean International Course on the Unesco geopark trail.

As for the Kedah/Perlis Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents chapter, its chairman Mohd Yusin Mohd Yatim said its membership had gone down to 128 from 256 pre-pandemic.

It is either because they joined other organisations or they were forced to exit the industry during the pandemic, he added.

All is not lost in Langkawi as the island welcomed the 164-room Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang, one of the first major hospitality properties to open post-lockdown.

General manager Jasmine Keh said the new hotel, which is in the island’s tourist belt, has received some room reservations, but things can be better.

She hopes that they can reach an average occupancy rate of 60% by month’s end while the official opening is scheduled for May.

Keh has also reached out to the food delivery services as part of the hotel’s marketing plans. – The Vibes, April 2, 2022