TRAVEL industry players in Langkawi have denied reports that tourism arrivals had plunged by 39 percent during the long Malaysia Day celebrations which stretched up to four days.
Instead, they said hotels recorded a brisk occupancy rate and ferry operations reported almost full trips throughout the holidays.
Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander said the report was not verified with the proper parties including the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).
"As we shifted to an endemic status, tourism was still in the recovery stage. Now, we are starting to pick up momentum."
He said that it was an unfair report, bordering on fake content, when those in Langkawi reported brisk sales.
Alexander said the media should also stop comparing Langkawi to Haadyai, as both are different products altogether.
Langkawi is a family orientated destination whereas Haadyai in southern Thailand, is for those wanting the night life scene.
"Compare us to Phuket or perhaps Bali but even then, our population base differs from such destinations. We are relatively small but the room to grow is tremendous."
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah and Perlis chapters chairman Eugene Alan Dass, said that the initial occupancy figures cited in the report were misleading.
"The statistics showed occupancy rates as low as 50 percent but it only covered a limited number of participating hotels in Kuah and the beachfronts. It was also conducted before Malaysia Day."
Tourism practitioner Eric R. Sinnaya said that the island resort should not be obsessed with figures but with the quality of tourists coming in.
"We do not want an excess number until pollution starts to unfold. What we want is a balanced number - enough for all travel trade players to earn a decent living.
“We also want tourists, who are willing to spend or invest in Langkawi's tranquility." - September 18, 2025.
