Previously, it was reported that Langkawi had seen a significant decline in tourists, as many Malaysians opted to travel to Thailand instead. Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Tourism Manager, Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, however, said otherwise.
Dr Azmil said that statistics and data have shown a positive trend and continued growth in the local tourism sector, and have not declined by up to 39%.
Dr Azmil (centre)
“If we look, tourist arrivals via Kuah Jetty in the first eight months of this year increased by 23% compared to the same period last year. The entrance at Tanjung Lembung Pier recorded an increase of 27%.”
Dr Azmil added that for Langkawi International Airport (LTAL), tourist arrivals increased by 11% with 31 incoming flights daily compared to 27 flights previously. According to him, Langkawi recorded an influx of 2,018,153 tourists in the first eight months of this year, compared to 1,964,814 in the same period last year.
“So, I’m not sure where they got the data from that stated a 39% decline in tourists, when current data clearly shows otherwise,” Dr Azmil said in a press conference yesterday (18 September).
Have tourists gone to Hatyai instead? Langkawi Tourism says no
For illustration purposes only
Langkawi Tourism Information Centre Manager, Alwi Shakir Abdullah, also denied claims that the island was losing its appeal following many tourists moving to Hatyai, Thailand. Alwi also said that the increase in tourists in Langkawi is expected to last until the end of this year, adding that the ‘Langkawi Special Deals’ program launched by LADA in mid-August also boosted the influx of tourists to the island.
“Our monitoring found that there was a significant increase in conjunction with school holidays and Malaysia Day throughout this week.”
“This is because tour operators have reported high demand for rental cars and tour package bookings since before the holidays began,” he said.
Chenang Beach was also reported to be full of tourists during this holiday, and LADA urged all parties to be careful and not to create negative perceptions that could affect tourism in Langkawi.
