ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian-Thai border was packed as thousands of holidaymakers rushed there to enjoy the long weekend and school holidays.
Yet, all was quiet in Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah, with hotel occupancy rate dipping below 60%.
It was a repeat of last year, signalling that the interest in Langkawi has not picked up, said Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Kedah and Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass.
He noted that domestic tourists have continued to show their preference for destinations such as Haadyai, probably because of the lack of new attractions on the island resort.
“Furthermore, the logistics issues have yet to be solved, with unpredictable ferry schedules, higher airfares and limited flight connectivity,” he said.
He urged the authorities to step up promotions for Langkawi and improve the public transportation links, particularly the ferry services.
Manager Ng Su-Ann, who is holidaying with her husband in Langkawi, was surprised by the sluggish business at the hotel they were staying in.
“I expected the island to be packed with tourists because of the Malaysia Day weekend and the school holidays, but it was surprisingly quiet,” said the visitor from Penang.
Ng said there was no fresh attractions, with only the duty-free outlets drawing some visitors.
Teacher Mohd Azmi Ismail, 45, said even Langkawi’s popular attractions felt unusually quiet.
“I think many Malaysians are skipping Langkawi due to rising costs, choosing instead to spend their holidays in more affordable destinations such as Terengganu or Haadyai,” he said.
Kedah Tourist Guide Association chairman Mohd Firdaus Abu Bakar said new luxury resorts also faced challenges with high operating cost and a limited pool of high-spending tourists.
“Besides, the irregular ferry schedules, limited direct flights and restricted transport options have continued to make access difficult for both domestic and international visitors,” he said.
Mohd Firdaus said travellers are more price-sensitive these days, leaving premium hotels and resorts struggling to fill their rooms.
He said rising cost of food and fuel have further dampened interest, with many travellers diverting to cheaper destinations.
“The state tourism authority should be more proactive in reviving not only Langkawi but also mainland Kedah,” he said.
