LANGKAWI is expecting up to three million tourists this year with 1.8 million recorded as of August, said the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).
Last year, 2.9 million tourists visited the popular island, with a large number being locals.
In announcing the figure, LADA chief executive officer Datuk Seri Iskandar Mohd Kaus said they would work closely with the private sector to stimulate the leisure industry in Langkawi.
Despite intense competition from other domestic locations and regionally from Haadyai, Phuket in Thailand, and Bali (Indonesia), Langkawi has managed to hold its own, namely because it is regarded as a family - orientated destination.
“Langkawi is on track to surpass its highest ever arrivals number of some 3.9 million, especially with next year being Visit Malaysia Year,” said Iskandar.
LADA tourism division manager Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari has also met with Tourism Authority of Thailand officials to work out a win - win combination which will be rewarding to tourists.
For the first quarter of this year, top foreign hotel guests were from India, China, United Kingdom, Poland, Australia, Germany, Russia, Singapore, France and Saudi Arabia.
As for connectivity, the top entry point to the island remains the international airport in Padang Matsirat with 189 scheduled flights weekly, 105 trips weekly for ferries from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah, 42 weekly trips of roll on (vehicle carrying) ferry trips from Kuala Perlis, and 498 weekly private yacht trips.
Veteran travel trade player Eric R. Sinnaya said that the island should tap its large eco-tourism potential to woo tourists, particularly those who are willing to spend more to explore and experience the vast natural attractions.
Coupled with the state's Unesco geo-park (geology) status where sustainability remains a focal point, Sinnaya said that Langkawi's best treasure is its nature.
Sinnaya also pointed out the potentials of the year-end Green and Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) in Langkawi, as it promotes sustainability and conservation efforts.
GAGA is held on November 22 and among the strategic participants, is the Penang Green Council and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Alexander Issac meanwhile sees having more charter flights from various parts of the globe, as key towards sustaining the return of tourism to the island.
He said that Langkawi has cemented its status as a family destination, so a better air and sea accessibility is good to encourage family travel.
He also hopes that airliners can offer attractive ticketing prices to woo families to come over, as such a segment of tourism would end up spending more than individual travellers. - August 23, 2025.
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