Langkawi, Penang ink deal to become tourism power couple

LANGKAWI – Peninsular Malaysia’s famous island destinations, Penang and Langkawi, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for tourism collaboration to attract more tourists to the two islands.

The LOI was signed this morning by the Penang government and Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) at the Langkawi Skycab station.

The joining of Malaysia’s leading tourism frontrunners is expected to attract travellers to the surrounding islands.

Penang tourism and creative economy exco Yeoh Soon Hin and Lada chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib inked the deal, witnessed by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.

Yeoh said in a statement that Penang and Langkawi are among the nation’s most popular tourism hotspots, with the former being steeped in cultural heritage and the latter offering pristine nature and splendid beach activities.

“People always see Penang and Langkawi as competitors, when in reality we are the perfect duo, complementing one another to make a complete package.

“This initiative is a major step forward in Penang’s island-tourism agenda, where collaboration between islands is formed for mutual promotion.

“In fact, Penang and Lada have principally agreed to establish a joint-working committee for cross-promotion, specifically on our Unesco listings, namely the Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark and Penang Hill Unesco Biosphere Reserve,” he said.

Yeoh said the LOI is a testament to Penang’s efforts to build connectivity with other major tourism players in the nation such as Sabah, Melaka, and Langkawi.

“Each destination is armed with varied tourism assets and can enhance and boost a traveller’s overall experience,” he said.

Working together with local players is expected to beef up competitiveness against foreign destinations such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

“If we work with other states and entice travellers to visit other Malaysian destinations, we will see traveller spending retained within Malaysia, spurring the economy of our tourism ecosystem and the local communities,” he added.

According to Nasaruddin, the signing ceremony, held 708m above sea level, is the first of its kind at this altitude.

Also present at the signing ceremony was Penang Secretary Datuk Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus. – The Vibes, June 20, 2022