ALOR STAR: Tourism players in the state have welcomed the Visit Kedah Year 2025 initiative announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor yesterday.
They said the move was necessary as the state tourism sector, particularly Langkawi, needed a boost to fully recover from the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hence, the industry players said they want stronger cooperation between the state administration and the federal government to enhance Kedah, particularly Langkawi's international visibility.
"Langkawi's appeal is seasonal as we depend on domestic visitors. Perhaps the state and federal governments can look to provide more international exposure for the island.
"Langkawi still offers delightful experiences with excellent cuisine and outstanding hotels and resorts that cater to local visitors and international travellers.
"We have engaged with authorities, both at the federal and the state levels, to exchange ideas. We are anticipating the Visit Kedah 2025. We wish businesses to return to the pre-pandemic era or even better," Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) chairman Eugene Dass said when contacted today.
Eugene said it is vital to develop a solid plan to revive Langkawi's image following recent negative publicity on the island's tourism sector.
Thus, the hoteliers are calling for the federal government to consider measures such as domestic travel tax incentives to boost domestic travellers' arrival to Langkawi.
"We also advocate a review of Langkawi's duty-free status, extending it further on the island. This has proven to be a major draw for local tourists.
"A comprehensive assessment of Langkawi products and attractions is needed. We need to benchmark them against other destinations that directly compete with Langkawi," he added.
Langkawi Homestay Association chairman Mokhtar Shabudin Ismail echoed his sentiments.
He said more aggressive efforts are required to promote Langkawi to international travellers in the post-pandemic era.
"Contrary to claims by certain quarters, domestic travellers are still visiting Langkawi, but the island has always relied heavily on international travellers to support the tourism industry.
"Things have not fully recovered with international travellers are hard to come by these days," he added.
Meanwhile, Konsortium Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd's human resources and operations manager, Captain Dr Baharin Baharom, stressed the need for regular maintenance dredging at Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis jetty terminals to improve ferry trip frequencies.
"The limited number of ferry trips is a key issue driving visitors away. With increased trips and extended travel times, more visitors will find it easier to visit the island," he added.
Yesterday, Sanusi announced that the state government has decided to launch Visit Kedah Year 2025.
As such, he said the state sought cooperation from the Tourism, Arts and Cultural Ministry to promote Visit Kedah Year 2025.
Sanusi reportedly said he hoped that the ministry would extend its fullest cooperation, particularly on the promotional campaign, which is set to begin by next year.