Starting tomorrow, visitors to Langkawi may be unpleasantly surprised to discover a new tourist levy. The new tax is between RM1 and RM9 and rate is dependent upon class of accommodation chosen. Tourists booking 4-star accommodations will receive additional charges of RM3, and 5-star accommodations will receive additional charges of RM5. Additionally, what the Langkawi Municipal Council City of Tourism regards as 6- and 7-star properties, or generally what are regarded as top-tier, 5-star properties, will come with charges of RM7 and RM9. Travellers may want to contact their hotel before travel to confirm the correct levy rate. Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, chairman, Kedah Tourism Committee, said similar taxes have seen success in Melaka, Penang and Kuala Lumpur and increased tourism. It was also stated the tax amount was minimal compared to other tourist costs when visiting the destination. “If we can collect a satisfactory amount of levy, we can implement more tourism-related programmes for the benefit of the tourists,” he added. The levy may extend to additional destinations at a later date.