'Better access, lower cost is why Hat Yai is more alluring than Langkawi'

 

Better access, more attractions, and lower cost are among the reasons that the southern Thai tourist town of Hat Yai is drawing many Malaysian tourists, said Thailand-Southeast Asia Halal Trade and Tourism Association president Aida Oujeh.

She said the geographical difference between the two resorts - Hat Yai in Songkhla and Langkawi in Kedah - was a key factor in which it was not fair to make a direct comparison between the two.

“Malaysian tourists prefer to come to Hat Yai because the cost of spending on food, drink, accommodation, and shopping is cheaper even though the value of the Thai currency (baht) is higher compared to the Malaysian ringgit.

“Other than that, Hat Yai is on the mainland, while Langkawi is an island that can only be accessed by sea or air,” she said.

Aida added that she thinks Malaysian tourists also prefer Hat Yai because the city provides a variety of tourism products that are different from what is available in Langkawi.

As examples, she cited food products, clothes, handicrafts, and places that attract tourists.

Decline in visitors to island

Aida met with Malaysiakini in conjunction with the Malaysia-Southern Thailand Media and Tourism Day programme in Hat Yai last week.

Previously, local media reported how Hat Yai is increasingly becoming the focus of Malaysian tourists and is linked to the decline in domestic tourism activities, especially Langkawi, which is now under the administration of the PAS-led state government.

Langkawi Island

The decline was seen during the Deepavali festival season in November last year.

About a month after that, Malaysian tourists reportedly contributed about two billion baht (RM267 million) to the Thai economy.

People flock to Hat Yai – which is only an hour’s drive from the border of Kedah and Perlis – especially during school holidays or public holidays.

Aida stressed that it is inappropriate and unfair if a comparison is made between the arrival of Malaysian tourists to Hat Yai and Langkawi Island.

“We want to promote Langkawi so that Thai people will also be interested in going there,” she said.

Aida added that, unlike Langkawi, visitors to Hat Yai can extend their trip to other places such as Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat regions.

She added that the service and hospitality factor was an important role that needs to be emphasised by industry players.

“Here (Thailand), industry players are not spoiled by the government, they have to work hard on their own with their own initiatives before being helped to some extent by government agencies.

“This includes the aspect of product preparation up to the marketing and promotion stage.

“Without dependence on the government, they are made aware to provide the best service and treatment to customers,” said Aida. - Mkini