Hotel occupancy hits 90pct as tourist arrivals surge in Langkawi

 

LANGKAWI: Hotel occupancy on the island has surged past 90 per cent for the first time this year, ahead of the upcoming school holidays and Christmas celebrations next week. 

The sharp increase is believed to be driven by thousands of tourists choosing Langkawi as an alternative holiday destination following severe flooding in Hat Yai, Thailand. 

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) deputy chief executive officer Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin said the island's tourism sector is bracing for a significant rise in visitor arrivals over the final two weeks of December.

"Based on available data, hotel bookings in Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, as well as several hotels around Kuah town, have already exceeded 90 per cent occupancy. 

"As such, we are targeting 400,000 tourist arrivals to the island this month," he said in a press conference yesterday. 

Wan Kamarul said the projection was realistic, given that December is the peak holiday season, coupled with the 'Langkawi Special Deals' campaign offering discounts of up to 70 per cent.

"The increase in tourist arrivals this month is expected to help ensure Langkawi achieves its target of 3.5 million visitors this year. 

"As of Nov 30, the island has recorded 2.75 million tourist arrivals," he said. 

He added that major events such as the Langkawi International Half Marathon 2025 had also contributed to the uptick, with about 20,000 participants and family members visiting the island three days ago.

-nst online.