ALOR STAR – It’s a gloomy period again for the tourism industry in Kedah with the movement control order back in force.
Kedah Tourism manager Nor Azlan Fitri Abdul Razak said he anticipates a drop by more than 70% in the state’s tourist arrival during the period.
He said people from outside Kedah have had to cancel their hotel bookings and holiday packages, especially to Langkawi, now that travelling has been restricted due to the MCO.
“Many tourists, especially from states that are subject to MCO, such as the Klang Valley and Penang, had to cancel bookings as they cannot cross their state borders.
“Hotel owners in Kedah were also affected when bookings for seminars, courses, meetings and entertainment at their premises had to be cancelled,” he said here today.
Nor Azlan Fitri said ferry trips to Langkawi were also reduced to only one trip from Kuala Kedah Jetty every day, while the ferry service at Kuala Perlis Jetty ceased operations during the period.
“The limited number of ferry trips also affects the number of tourists to Langkawi. So, to draw Kedah people to holiday within the state, Kedah Tourism is actively promoting the #JomMaiKedah campaign through social media platforms.
“Many promotions are done by tourism industry players, especially hotel owners, to attract Kedah people to vacation in the country. Hotel owners are also offering 50% discounts,” he said. – Bernama, January 14, 2021
