KUALA LUMPUR – Rebranding the famous tourist island Langkawi in Kedah could be counterproductive if it is solely rebranded as a “Muslim-friendly” travel destination, says DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng.
He also added that Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan should revise and backtrack his suggestions in Parliament recently to restore confidence in the island’s travel industry.
Lim said that this announcement has sparked serious concerns among those in the travel trade, particularly those who have invested in and committed to the island, which has long been recognised as an international island resort accessible to all.
“Many in the travel trade – both Muslim and non-Muslim – including duty-free shop operators, are now concerned that they will miss out on the lucrative non-Muslim tourist market following Khairul’s announcement.
“Limiting Langkawi only to niche sectors, such as the Muslim market, would be counterproductive by depriving itself of the non-Muslim tourism market.
“Bearing in mind that Langkawi is recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark and a key destination for European, Indian, and Chinese tourists that are mainly non-Muslims, Khairul’s intention to rebrand Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination would result in the rapid loss of its international appeal,” he said.
Asking Khairul to reconsider his suggestion, Lim emphasised that other competing tourist destinations in neighbouring countries would only gain at Langkawi’s expense if tourists were diverted away from it.
He further said that the move would also undermine the commendable efforts of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, who has effectively promoted Malaysia as a tourist destination, leading to increased tourist arrivals and spending.
On June 25, Khairul told Dewan Rakyat that Langkawi could be rebranded to be more “Muslim-friendly” to differentiate it from holiday islands in neighbouring nations.
He also said that Malaysia’s tourist spots must focus on “niche sectors” with each state developing unique offerings to achieve competitiveness. – June 27, 2024