Malaysia’s tourism-dependent Langkawi fears rising costs are deterring visitors

AI Summary

Rising operational costs on Langkawi Island threaten the tourism-dependent economy, as local businesses are forced to increase prices for visitors. The spike in costs, influenced by higher fuel prices, could deter potential tourists amid growing competition in Southeast Asia.

On Cenang Beach, Mohamad Zaki Najmi sells jet ski rides and boat tours in Langkawi’s turquoise water: adventure activities that have powered the Malaysian island’s tourism economy for years. But costs are rising fast on the popular resort island, and the sea sports operator has been forced to pass them on to customers – a last resort for tourism players in Malaysia as competition for international visitors hots up across Southeast Asia. Higher fuel prices, triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran,...