LANGKAWI – While politicians bicker over supposed prohibitions in this holiday island, a community activist and tourism insider are calling for some sensibility and a new approach to draw visitors to help locals economically.
According to Adnan Hassan, the present debate between Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over restrictions on wearing shorts and consuming alcohol is both unnecessary and a waste of time.
"I think both Tiong and Sanusi do not get it. Inbound tourism is faltering, and it has nothing to do with shorts or beers," Adnan said in an interview. "It has all to do with how we market ourselves and ensuring that our present and coming attractions are cost effective and alluring,"
He claimed that the elected representatives are at loss over how to help the travel trade community rebound effectively from the consequences of Covid-19.
Instead of just dwelling on attire and choice of beverage, Adnan urged Tiong and Sanusi to work closer to boost tourism by focusing on what tourists want to experience.
Not all the tourists simply want entertainment as they are drawn to new things such as eco-tourism.
The former Langkawi PKR deputy head said that emphasis on environmental and social causes such as eco-tourism and conservation are equally important as traditional ways of promoting tourism on social media and travel fairs.
"We need to showcase to the world that we are serious about protecting mother nature and we want them to see it," he said.
Last week Sanusi had clarified that no laws are in place to prohibit the wearing of shorts or the consumption of alcohol in Langkawi, unlike what was claimed by Tiong.
Adnan also stressed that there is no issue about such so-called prohibitions as there are no such guidelines in the first place.
Malaysian tourists prefer neighbouring countries
Despite the weakening of the ringgit, Adnan said that the travel trade players here detect a huge surge of Malaysians heading to neighbouring nations, especially southern Thailand.
He suggested that Tiong and Sanusi stand at the Thai border crossing at Batu Kayu Hitam on weekends to determine the number of Malaysian tourists heading across to Thailand.
"Yes, domestic tourism is flourishing but our tourists are heading to the other destination – the one which peddles the Thai baht and not the ringgit," he said.
This is why only the high-end market seemed to be enjoying a brisk return of tourism whereas the budget tourism providers continue to struggle, said Adnan.
He called for the promotion of tourism to be undertaken by the private sector since the public sector has failed to deliver in terms of bringing high-spending tourists over.
His views were echoed by former Langkawi Business Association deputy president Datuk Alexander Issac who said that politicians should focus on the root causes of decline in tourism instead of just "semantics".
Alexander said that though there may be many tourists, they are not spending enough for all travel trade members to benefit from.
Also, important transport providers from ferry to airlines simply base their charges on the market when at times they should understand that they are also providing a social service.
"Think of those who need to commute daily. Perhaps a special fare can be accorded," he said.
Alexander urged both the public and private sectors to think "outside of the box" in reviving tourism by focusing on what is sellable instead of what had worked previously. – The Vibes, October 1, 2023.
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