Langkawi’s reopening draws nature, upmarket travellers

 

Langkawi tourism and hospitality operators are observing good demand for five-star and boutique hotels as well as more high-end tours and activities, since the reopening of the Malaysian island last week to fully vaccinated domestic tourists under the pioneer travel bubble project.

Mega Water Sports & Holidays director of sales and marketing, Sharmini Violet, said: “Our clients come for weekend getaways and they are willing to spend on upmarket activities such as chartering a whole yacht and going on private tours, or enjoying our jet ski tours or sunset cruises.”

She added that the majority of her clients come from the Klang Valley and have chosen the convenience of flights over road trips to Langkawi.

Sharmini further shared that many five-star hotels on the island destination are seeing high occupancy rates, driven by attractive promotional offers.

Another operator, Sri Sari, director at Junglewalla Langkawi, shared that the agency’s nature-based kayaking and Geopark tour packages are doing well with the locals, whereas the expatriate market tend to go for birdwatching tours, nature walks and tours to spot nocturnal wildlife.

She also shared that locals tend to book on weekends, whereas the expatriate market are willing to stay for longer and work remotely.

Amran Ahmed, co-founder of Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat and Ambong Pool Villas, shared that the pool villa accommodations in both of his properties are recording an average occupancy of 70 per cent, mainly comprising couples from the Klang Valley.

He said: “People are choosing to stay with us because of the boutique and personalised experiences we offer. Many choose to stay in, order room service and enjoy the villas. We are also seeing a number of people working remotely from their villas.”

-TTG Asia.