LANGKAWI’S hotel industry is enjoying a robust year-end surge, but local operators say the strong numbers reflect the island’s natural seasonal pull rather than any redirection of travellers from flood-affected Hat Yai.
Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi sales and marketing director Norsidah Ahmad said the uptick was entirely in line with traditional holiday-season patterns, supported by improved air access.
“Most dates are already over 80 per cent booked, and several days in December and January are fully booked,” she told The Star.
According to her, school and festive holidays remain the primary catalysts. This year’s demand has been further bolstered by a chartered Poland–Langkawi service that commenced on 31 October and will continue until March, driving higher occupancy across four- and five-star beachfront properties.
Airlines have also increased flight frequencies to Langkawi from weekly to daily, helping the island maintain its appeal among travellers from India, the Middle East and Europe. Visa-free entry for visitors from China and India has also sustained healthy interest.
Budget operators are seeing the same momentum. Pantai Tengah hotelier Nur Atirah Abdul Nasir said all 22 rooms at her property were fully booked throughout the school break.
“Most of my guests are foreigners,” she said, adding that the floods in Hat Yai “had no bearing” on her bookings, which were anchored in Langkawi’s established reputation as a year-end destination.
Tourism industry figure Datuk Alexander Isaac said many premium hotels were currently operating at around 95 per cent occupancy, with domestic visitors having secured rooms well in advance.
“Sunset cruises and other water activities had many cancellations last month because of bad weather, but are performing very well now,” he said.
He noted that December has always been a strong month for local travel, adding: “Foreign tourists have started arriving and we hope to see even more in 2026.”
Malaysian Association of Hotels Kedah and Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass said December traditionally delivers strong returns for the island.
“It is good to see hotels expecting high occupancy, as in past years. Member hotels are ready to welcome guests,” he said, stressing that the trend underscores Langkawi’s enduring appeal as a preferred holiday destination. - December 13, 2025
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