Tourist fee in Langkawi will |be a boon for Thailand
As a resident of this beautiful island I simply cannot understand the rationale behind the ridiculous decision to charge visitors a tourism-promotion fee starting from July 1 when they check in at hotels here.
Langkawi is a pristine island surrounded by beautiful nature and visited by millions of tourists yearly because it offers something for everybody and at a very affordable price.
We are competing for the same tourists who visit Thailand and Indonesia, and an arbitrary levy sends the wrong message. Potential visitors will take one look at the new fee and take their business elsewhere.
I also fear this so-called levy is just another excuse to line the pockets of certain individuals or groups.
GM
Langkawi
(The Star/ANN)
