LANGKAWI – The popular island resort of Langkawi could see five million in annual tourist arrivals after the Covid-19 situation settles, but only if it implements a new model offering more sustainable and targeted products and services.
This could, for example, include biking tours, eco-tourism adventures and events attractive to trade visitors.
In 2019, the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) said the island saw a record 3.92 million visitors.
However, its outgoing chief executive officer, Hezri Adnan, believes the island can do better.
“There is a need for quality tourists who spend more and stay longer than just a criss-cross stream of visitors who are driven by bargain-hunting,” he said.
Big spenders, he said, would help offset the increasing cost of tourism products and services to make up the shortfall incurred by the enforcement of new norm measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Hence, he said tourism industry players need to switch from a mass tourism model to one tailored to smaller groups.
“The situation will not return to the pre-pandemic era as disruptions are here to stay.
“Also, the digitisation phase taking place now offers a new way of doing business and new commercial opportunities,” he said.
Hezri, who specialises in economics and the environment, was speaking to The Vibes as his two-year tenure at the helm came to an end last Saturday.
The first ever academician to head a high-powered tourism body, Hezri is also a former columnist, author and research fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).
“We must embrace the new normal. We cannot think of returning to the old ways or we simply cannot compete in tourism,” said Hezri.
He said industry players must learn to tailor their products to meet the high expectations of tourists, who are now easily discouraged by reports of pollution and mismanagement.
“Those who can spend can easily boycott destinations as there are many choices now, so we must strive to meet the needs of the tourists,” he said.
Towards this end, Hezri proposed establishing a Langkawi alumni club comprising people with strong ties to the island, including tourists, service providers, community leaders and civil society members.
“Also, a foundation can be set up to help marginalised groups,” he said.
“I think the island has touched many people including me. I am here to help for now,” he added. – The Vibes, April 5, 2021
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