LANGKAWI – The resort island is expecting at least 2.5 million domestic and international tourists this year, with more as the world transitions into the endemic phase.
Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) CEO Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib told The Vibes that the arrival forecast is lower than in 2019 when the island received 3.9 million visitors.
“Although our aim is 2.5 million visitors this year, we are still in the recovery phase. We will only consider tourism here fully recovered when we achieve 3.9 million tourists.
“We predict it will happen by 2024.”
He added that Lada is working to bring in more international tourists by promoting chartered flights to Langkawi.
“We will be providing certain incentives for chartered flights such as paying landing fees for the first 30 flights coming in.
“We are collaborating with Malaysian Airports Holdings Bhd on this incentive and Malaysia Airlines will manage the chartered flights.”
Since China – which is Langkawi’s traditional market – has not reopened its borders, Nasaruddin said Lada will target visitors from India, the Middle East and Scandinavia as well as 30 flights by year end.
Previously, up to 60 chartered flights entered Langkawi annually between 2018 and 2019.
Yesterday, Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched a new hotel called Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang while conveying his appreciation for the investment put into establishing more tourism products here.
“I understand that this group has hotels all over the world and I am sure that they will promote the one in Langkawi in their other properties.
“I hope that once guests have tried other Mercure hotels, they will be interested to come to the one in Langkawi.”
Hotel general manager Jasmine Keh said the property is located off the busiest section of Pantai Cenang and has facilities to satisfy business and leisure guests, especially its ballroom that can cater to 200 people. – The Vibes, May 8, 2022
