TRAVEL trade leaders in Langkawi appreciate the efforts by the government to promote the island as a family-friendly and Islamic spiritual tourism centre but feel that the destination should cater for all tourists.
The niche may be Islamic-friendly tourism but generally, Langkawi, like any of the preferred tourism destinations in the region, such as Bali (Indonesia) and Phuket (Thailand), needs to be a wholesome location for all tourists to unwind, said Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Isaac Alexander.
Alexander, the chief executive officer of Tropical Charters Cruise Sdn Bhd, said that it is laudable that Langkawi continues to be in the orbit of the tourism authorities as this means that the island resort still has huge potential to be tapped.
“The spate of recent setbacks on the island was attributed to logistics and climate change, but with much conviction, we, in the private sector, want to work with the public sector and the Kedah government to overcome problems plaguing the place.”
He said that making the island more affordable to the average traveller should be on the mind of every marketer entrusted to promote Langkawi.
Langkawi has the potential to become a regional paradise, which can also cater to Islamic-friendly tourism products, he added.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan told parliament that there were plans to make the island more a family-friendly and spiritual tourism spot.
“We admit that Langkawi may struggle to compete with other islands in the region and our strategy is to position it as a preferred Muslim destination. We want to make it more family-oriented and focused on spiritual aspects,” he said.
Veteran tourism activist Ahmad Pishol Isahak said that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry must be congratulated on paying special attention to the island, but the focus should also be on the basic elements of tourism.
“The idea is good but we shouldn’t confine too much to just spiritually friendly elements. As a tourism destination, we must be welcoming to everyone.”
The authorities should also overcome the basic internal issues affecting the destination, from limited ferry trips to expensive airfares and rising living costs, which have driven many Malaysians to flock to neighbouring Thailand, said Pishol.
“We must fix our hospitality standards. Make it world-class and our staffers need to be motivated with good wages and comfortable working conditions before we pursue how to better position Langkawi,” he said.
His counterpart Eric R. Sinnaya said that Langkawi has much potential as an ecotourism haven but it must be marketed well while sustainable practices must be consistent in line with the island’s reputation as a Unesco geopark location.
Sinnaya said that besides being a preferred Islamic destination, the focus should also be on a strong ecotourism destination.
“We have 104 islands and beaches to explore and about 10% of the foreigners, especially Europeans, have made the island their home under the Malaysia My Second Home retirement programme,” said Sinnaya.
Alexander said that industry leaders have always marketed Langkawi as a family destination but in no way did it mean that other types of tourists, such as free individual travellers, are unwelcome.
“We should be welcoming to everyone as we can cater to all,” he said. – June 25, 2024.
