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Tourist arrivals to Kedah since 2008
Bernama, 30.10.2011
The Tourism Ministry is concerned over the declining number of tourist arrivals to Kedah since 2008, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said.
She said statistics showed that the number of tourist arrivals in the state dropped from 4.5 million in 2007 to 3.8 million in 2008 and 2009 and 2.7 million in 2010. The number of foreign tourist arrivals decreased from 1.8 million in 2007 to 1.6 million in 2008, increased slightly to 1.9 million in 2009 but dropped to 1.1 million in 2010, she said.
"Malaysia had 23 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2009, which increased to 24.6 million last year. However, they chose to visit other states such as Sabah instead of Kedah."
"There is more to Kedah than just Langkawi Island. The state government can promote other tourism products like the padi museum . . .
Read: bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=623273
Comments
Hi Bob :-) by Mark on 01 Nov 2011, 8:23 pm
I did hold myself back on commenting the Padi museum. As I could relay on you - lol...
On the other sied: have you seen the huge advertisement near the counting traffic light about keeping the beaches clean?
Yes this is the wrong way to go about - but it shows that the responsible people are aware of the facts in re to the rubbish situation and are willing to publicly confront it - which is good news.
With the newly allocated money for Langkawi there will be a 'Ranger Troup' created. I don't know yet what these 'rangers' will do - but if it is about keeping our island clean in some way - this could be the needed start to some organised approach...
Let's be positive :-)
This said - I do still not understand why they can not let the tourist pay a small 'Residence Tax' (Kurtaxe) for the purpose of keeping the island clean and 'tourist-worthy'.
Mark
Rangers ? by Bob Talbot on 02 Nov 2011, 9:40 am
Are the rangers going to do a similar job as the non-existent car parking coupon guys do?What an opportunity is being missed there to increase much needed revenue!The problem here is that no one in authority is prepared to take a grip on the situation and actually do something to alleviate the problem on a permanent basis.As regards the giant hoarding by the main traffic lights in town- its in the wrong place.I bet four seasons wish that it had been put up by the public beach at Tanjung Rhu- what a disgrace that place is.Imagine being on your way to a 5 star resort and having to view that lot.There,s only one way Kedah and Langkawi will improve tidiness and thats via the big stick approach i.e. enforcement !
If the tourism minister or the top people here need a tour of the island and some positive ideas to assist alleviating the problem I,m prepared to chaffeur them around.I don,t suppose I would be the only one either!
Hi Mark and nice to meet you, Bob by Fatimah Eve on 14 Dec 2011, 4:35 pm
It's been long time, Mark I know.. I just get back from mainland to Langkawi due to personal matter.
Anyway, I jsut want to share the news about 5 billion investment in Pulau Rebak.
I just want to share with you this link: http://www.homeguru.com.my/property-news/2011/12/1997/Pulau%20Rebak%20to%20woo%20the%20rich%20and%20famous
Bottom line is, it not new hotel or new establishments or new sight-seeing , what my hubby and everyone loves here is the ISLAND itself - clean & green. If not, I would just bring him along in Sabah and lived there. It is not so convenient with KL or Penang as same as here with 1 hr flight only.
The people here should understand that they have a benefit to use that opportunity for the welfare of all people. More thrash and more trees are being cut off just for money making. They should look for long term basis and not short term.
Last 3 years ago when I first arrived here, it wasn't even high peak season yet but Pantai Cenang was bustling with tourist and it was packed on December until wee hours. Now, I hardly see anyone in the middle of the night.
Government is there and laws to abide but if there is no action or implementation on their officers, it is pointless.
Kedah Tourism by Bob Talbot on 01 Nov 2011, 6:46 pm
"There is more to Kedah than just Langkawi island.The state government can promote other tourism Products like the padi museum" .YAWN,YAWN Really? If the Padi museum is the main tourist attraction other than Langkawi then WOW I can understand why tourists go elsewhere !
Stop burying your heads in the sand and get out and do something positive.We on Langkawi are doing our level best to encourage tourism by depositing as much litter across the island as we possibly can.The rest of Kedah are capable of doing the same.Why worry about clean beaches and litter free side and main roads when they can be just left in a disgusting mess.
Build a new tower in 10 years time- if theres any money left,or let your bridges fall into disrepair so the tourists can fall into a nice hole.That,s what tourists want -isn,t it ? Or would it not be better to keep Langkawi and Kedah free from rubbish and let the natural beauty of the region enchant tourists.I know which I prefer ! sorry Mark- I know-I,m spouting rubbish again !