LANGKAWI – The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) is shifting its attention on luring back foreign tourists after the successful completion of the domestic tourism bubble which ended yesterday.
The island resort attracted 80,894 fully vaccinated domestic tourists, who spent RM33 million in about one month as of today.
Lada chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib told The Vibes that Lada plans to allow chartered and scheduled flights from Russia, China, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Singapore by next month.
Qatar Air, who has among the world’s biggest airline fleets, is keen to bring in passengers to the island resort.
“We are working on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) with the tourism and health authorities,” said Nasaruddin after presenting aid on behalf of Lada to food delivery service provider, Tapaw.
He said that among the recommendations is for fully vaccinated foreigners to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of five days before they undergo a PCR Covid-19 test to enable them to travel to other parts of Malaysia.
He does not anticipate quarantine for these visitors unless they test positive.
Hence a comprehensive inbound package can be drawn up, said Nasaruddin, adding that the initiative is a pilot project which Langkawi hopes to develop into a foreign tourism bubble, similar to the domestic one launched last month.
Lada will liaise with their foreign counterparts to discuss ways to attract visitors to the island resort; among which includes introducing short stay packages and emphasising on strict SOPs to prevent infection.
Nasaruddin said that the domestic tourism flow is also expected to rise dramatically now that the health authorities have disbanded the mandatory Covid-19 testing for tourists wishing to enter the island.
The load will likely increase from the frequency of ferry trips.
“We are grateful to record that during the domestic tourism bubble, there were no cross infections between tourism industry workers and tourists. It is a plus sign and kudos to the task force of 25 government agencies.”
Nasaruddin also said that Lada has signed up collaborations with eight private clinics and hospitals in Perlis, Kedah, and Penang to treat tourists who fall ill at Langkawi.
“If an airlift (medivac) evacuation is needed, we are able to provide it.”
This demonstrates Lada’s commitment towards medical tourism, he said, adding that plans are underway to set up a private hospital in Langkawi.
Meanwhile, Langkawi Budget Hotels Association president Datuk Norazly Rosly asked the Health Ministry to reimpose the ruling for mandatory Covid-19 testing for tourists intending to visit the island resort.
“This is to protect the destination as the safety and public health of the travel trade community should be of utmost importance,” said Norazly.
On Tuesday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had announced an end to compulsory Covid-19 testing for individuals entering Langkawi.
He said the decision was made after the percentage of tourists found positive for the virus was recorded at only 0.4% (216 people) of 54,341 tourists who took the test to enter the island from September 16 to October 11. – The Vibes, October 14, 2021
