LANGKAWI: John Barwell, an 81-year-old retiree from England, has found his slice of paradise in Langkawi, having visited the island around 15 times.
Discovering Langkawi on a round-the-world trip, and drawn to revisit by its allure, he made it a frequent destination.
“Weather, beaches, people, prices, everything,” John said, were the reasons why he and his wife kept returning even after the pandemic.
It was not just pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and natural beauty that brought him back; local hospitality played a very big part too.
“We don’t ever receive any aggression, everybody is always so helpful,” he said, appreciating the genuine warmth he encountered everywhere across the island.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Noor AlHafiz, a mechanic from Johor Bahru, noted significant developments and an influx of international tourists on the island.
Having visited Langkawi three times – once after the pandemic – AlHafiz said enhanced infrastructure is also contributing to the island’s evolving landscape.
With a great choice of delicious local cuisine, and many cultural and historical sites to visit, Langkawi is an educational experience for families, too, he added.
“We want to bring our children here for them to learn and see the various places in Langkawi, each with its own unique history.”
Langkawi’s tourism continues to rise
During the pandemic, data from the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) showed a decrease in tourist arrivals, dropping from over 3.9 million visitors in 2019 to around 1 million in 2021.
By 2023, however, numbers increased gradually to more than 2.5 million. This surge is partly attributed to the island welcoming five chartered flights from Chengdu and another five from Chongqing, China.
“For 2024, Lada is targeting three million arrivals, and in January alone, we achieved our target of 250,000 arrivals.
“Previously, the ratio was 70% locals to 30% foreigners, but since January, we have reached 48% foreign visitors, which is a good percentage,” Lada CEO Haslina Abdul Hamid stated.
Tour operator Alexander Isaac, CEO of Tropical Charters, said this marked a positive shift in the island’s tourism dynamics as the increase of foreign tourists revitalised local businesses, with restaurants and boat tours experiencing more patronage.
The concern that Langkawi could become a “ghost town” was firmly refuted by Isaac, who spoke of the island’s vibrant activity, especially its night markets and eateries, which thrive during peak seasons.
Issac, a tour operator with over 15 years’ experience, said he believes that in order to attract more domestic tourists back to Langkawi, obstacles such as costly air fares and ferry-service issues, which deter local holidaymakers, should be dealt with.
“We are hoping the authorities will return its regular programming to de-sail from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to allow more ferries to come in. We can also reintroduce the Penang-Langkawi ferry services that were stopped since pre-Covid,” he said.
He further believes collaborations within the tourism industry and support from government initiatives can create enticing offers for Malaysians, balancing the costs of travel with rewarding experiences on the island.
Another tour operator, Pishol Ishak, advocates for a balanced approach, where Langkawi remains adaptable, catering to both luxury seekers and budget travellers to ensure wider appeal.
“We (Langkawi) suit(s) everybody,” Ishak said.
Ishak, the owner of Sala Tours and Travel which was established in 1998, stated that while Langkawi is often compared with destinations like Bali and Phuket, its charm extends beyond scenic beauty and hospitality.
The island’s unique identity as a middle ground, catering to a wide range of tourist preferences, distinguishes it from others.
He also notes that Langkawi’s potential as a Muslim-friendly destination is a niche that could attract a significant market segment seeking halal-certified options and privacy.
This focus would reinforce Langkawi’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, and enhance its appeal to a broader spectrum of tourists, he concluded.