Langkawi is reportedly in danger of becoming a deserted or abandoned town if significant measures are not taken by Putrajaya, as stated by the Langkawi Tourism Association (LTA). Langkawi, a stunning archipelago in Malaysia, is renowned for its natural beauty and pristine beaches.
It boasts lush rainforests, captivating waterfalls, and unique geological formations. The island also offers a duty-free shopping experience and diverse water sports. As popular tourist destination, Langkawi offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. It consistently earns a top spot on travelers’ lists of favorite destinations. When it comes to planning a vacation, Langkawi used to be a perennial must-visit choice.
According to the LTA, Langkawi’s hospitality industry is significantly dependent on tourism and has been severely impacted by the decline in domestic tourist numbers.
“Langkawi will become a ‘ghost town’ once more like it was during the Covid-19 pandemic. The prime issue here is that there is no specific promotion to make Langkawi vibrant again. So now Langkawi has lost its charm even for domestic tourists,” said LTA chief executive Zainuddin Kadir.
Due to the extended periods of Movement Control Orders (MCO) and travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were unable to have leisure vacations. As a primary tourist destination, Langkawi would have suffered a significant loss of revenue.
Even after the MCO, people have undergone a shift in their daily routines, with some displaying decreased enthusiasm for frequent travel and vacations. Many have grown accustomed to staying at home and have come to recognize that they can complement their leisure activities with more cost-effective options to alleviate stress.
The decline in local tourist traffic has led to financial challenges, affecting businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and other related services that rely on a steady stream of visitors to thrive. These challenges highlight the sector’s vulnerability to fluctuations in tourist numbers, emphasizing the need for diverse strategies to support and sustain the industry in such challenging times.
LTA hopes that the state and federal governments can discuss and come to a solution for the sake of reviving Langkawi which can further contribute to the country’s economy Zainuddin Kadir. The group reported a distressing scenario for the forthcoming Deepavali holidays, as hotel reservations reached an all-time low bookings. Only 10% of three-star and higher-rated hotels have bookings, with a significant 58% of them anticipating financial losses. Additionally, during October, 31 out of the 163 food and beverage establishments under LTA’s purview ceased their operations, while car rental firms have resorted to asset sales.
Zainuddin emphasized that restaurants, in particular, have a strong dependency on non-local patrons, as the local population seldom dines out.
“They are not able to bear the debts with the bank. The food entrepreneurs and the rental car businesses are the most affected now. They had to surrender themselves to the bank. It will increase even more if no proactive steps are taken by the parties involved”, he said.
Langkawi is one of the pride of our nation. We should bring back the glorious moments of Langkawi and make it as an happening place as how it used to be. To address these issues and restore the island’s economic vitality, proactive measures and support from various stakeholders are imperative. It is essential to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and explore innovative strategies to revitalize Langkawi’s tourism and hospitality industry, ensuring its resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Source: Malaymail
