LANGKAWI – The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) has targeted 5,000 foreign tourists to arrive at the tourist island here through the commencement of the international travel bubble which formally begins today.
The island has been designated as Malaysia’s global travel bubble following the successful start to its domestic model two months ago.
In a statement, Lada chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib said that from the anticipated number of foreign travellers, tourism receipts should reach RM24.4 million.
The two-month long domestic bubble attracted 77,939 tourists, generating an income of RM80.3 million for the leisure industry here.
To prepare for the international model, Nasaruddin said the travel bubble will be coordinated by Lada and the state Health Department.
Two RT-PCR private test laboratories would be established to conduct testing as foreign tourists arrive.
The tourists will be screened at the Langkawi International Airport upon arrival with follow-up visits to be stipulated between the foreign guests and health authorities.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, he said, has readied a special procedure to ease the entry of foreign vacationers and for those who test positive, 118 hotel rooms from 20 hotels have been identified as quarantine centres.
Lada will also be dealing with tour guides and travel agents on how to best handle foreign groups, Nasaruddin said.
“To commence direct and also charted flights, Lada will initiate discussions with the regional manager of Qatar Airways country manager Datuk Muzammil Mohamad to resume links between Doha and Langkawi.”
Meanwhile, travel leaders here said it will take time to broker chartered flights due to a need to hold discussions with immigration and airport authorities.
They said that it may take up to six months before Langkawi can see its first charter flight. – The Vibes, November 15, 2021
