The Government's decision on December 7 to allow interstate travel was a boon to the tourism industry in Kedah, with an increase in the number of tourists to the state, said Nor Azlan Fitri Abdul Razak, Manager of Tourism for Kedah.

It was based, among other things, on the surveys conducted in Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Yan, Baling, Kulim, and Langkawi in several districts by Kedah Tourism.

"We found there is an increase in demand for hotels in several districts, with Pantai Chenang in Langkawi having the most encouraging response. This week, there is a sudden surge of tourists to Langkawi in line with the increased number of ferry trips from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis.

“We also found that the majority of visitors to Kedah are from Penang, perhaps because most of the tourist spots in their state are still closed,” he said.

Nor Azlan Fitri said that the increasing number of tourists, particularly in Langkawi, was also due to the great offers offered on the island by hotel owners.

“Kedah Tourism has asked them to retain the promotional prices until March to attract more tourists to Langkawi and the mainland.

“If there are no more bans on interstate travel after this, we expect to maintain the influx of tourists. This is a positive development for the state’s tourism sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kedah Tourism also organised the "Roadtrip Jom Mai Kedah" programme in collaboration with five "youtubers" from overseas to help introduce Kedah as a tourist destination and promote it in their countries.

“The programme involved participants from Germany, Portugal, Canada, the United States, and the Philippines, with them beginning their journey in Kota Setar, Yan and Kuala Muda before continuing to Baling and Kulim,” he said.