Businesses ranging from boat operators to restaurants are seeing a drop in international visitors to the island
On Cenang Beach, Mohamad Zaki Najmi sells fun and adventure activities that have powered Langkawi’s tourism economy for years – jet ski rides and boat tours on the Malaysian island’s turquoise waters.
Higher fuel prices, triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, have forced Zaki to increase boat packages – a 30-minute ride now costs US$30, compared with US$25 previously.
“The cost for operating boats and jet skis on the sea is higher than for regular vehicles on the road,” the Langkawi resident said.
Zaki, who has operated Seeman Motorsport on Cenang Beach since 2006, is also experiencing another setback as tourist arrivals in Langkawi appear to have fallen in recent months.
“There aren’t many tourists these days, and we don’t have set targets any more,” Zaki said.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
