LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Tourism Alliance (Lita) has called on all stakeholders to focus on efforts to revive the island's tourism industry from the devastating impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
Its spokesman Hazani Hussin said it is unbecoming for those who are directly involved or having interest in Langkawi tourism industry to make derogatory remarks which may create negative perception among domestic visitors and international tourists. "We view the matter seriously and categorically deny unfounded claims by a certain individual who claimed himself representing the whole tourism players in Langkawi.
"His reckless statement, based on misleading facts, besides painting a picture that the island is deserted after being shunned away by visitors, is creating a negative publicity for the island tourism sector," he told reporters after chairing a meeting attended by13 tourism players representing hoteliers, tour agency and tour guides in Langkawi. Hazani, who is also the Langkawi Tourism Community Club chairman stressed that the stakeholders should come up with plans to assist the industry, not making 'hurtful' statements that detrimental to the tourism sector recovery.
"We are of the opinion that the Tourism, Arts and Cultural Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing should refrain from making statements that may trigger negative perception among both domestic visitors and the international travellers. "His claims that international travellers are banned from consuming alcohol and wearing shorts during the Parliament debate session is totally inaccurate and created negative publicity," he said.
On a related matter, Lita pleaded to the Home Ministry to relax the Visa On Arrival (VOA) for travellers from China and India to attract more visitors from the two countries. "Other than that, the Transport Ministry need to look into issue concerning maintenance dredging along the passenger ferry services sailing route which affecting the arrival of domestic travellers.
"We also wish for the Transport Ministry to focus on securing more direct flights to the island," he said.Hazani also urged the state government to step up promotional campaigns under the Visit Kedah Year 2025, as announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi