Langkawi Development Authority CEO Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid discusses the important role air service plays and outlines her ambitions for Routes Asia 2024.
What were tourist numbers to Langkawi in 2023 and what are the forecasts for this year?
In 2023, Langkawi welcomed 2.82 million visitors and generated RM4.4 billion ($918 million) in tourism revenue. As for 2024, we aim to attract 3 million tourists to Langkawi and generate RM5.9 billion in tourism revenue. To achieve this, we aim to implement effective work plans and strategic events, collaborate closely with related industry partners and organize programs that align with our objective.
What activities are you undertaking to further promote air service?
A few major markets still haven't fully recovered, such as the European and East Asian markets. However, LADA has devised several ways to promote Langkawi to this market this year. LADA actively participates in important international promotion and sales missions organized by Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The purpose of joining the promotion events is to generate MICE groups' visits to Langkawi, FAM trips of key opinion leaders, media visits, lobbying of tourism/sporting events and more.
LADA has introduced a new incentive for scheduled airlines flying new routes to Langkawi effective Jan. 1, 2024 to further enhance air connectivity. The incentive will provide a one-off $10,000 to the airline that flies to Langkawi with a new route and maintains it for at least one year. LADA will also continue to offer the Langkawi Chartered Flight Incentives Program in 2024.
What significance does the Malaysian government’s decision to ease visa entry requirements for various countries, including China and India, hold?
It is crucial as China and India are among the top five countries contributing to Langkawi arrivals. Relaxing visa entry requirements will encourage more tourists from both countries to visit Langkawi, more chartered flights, especially from inland China and more MICE groups and weddings from India to Langkawi.
Which international markets offer the biggest potential for growth?
Currently, West Asia and Europe offer the biggest potential. The main reason is that the connectivity offered by Flydubai, which launch a new route from Dubai earlier this month, encourages new opportunities and growth for Langkawi, not only in tourism but also in investment.
How do you balance the challenges of tourism growth with sustainability considerations?
Local authorities, private stakeholders and communities should collaborate to leverage technology for sustainable and responsible tourism development. There are a few of the sustainable project practices by LADA and Langkawi’s stakeholders which include:
- Idaman Geosite Clean-Up – we have collected approximately 10,582 kg of plastic waste and marine debris all over the archipelago since the project started at the end of 2019
- Geomangrove – about 6,067 trees have been planted since 2022 at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park
- Numerous ‘no plastics’ campaigns
- Used cooking oil collection by Fat Hope Energy
- Zero waste initiatives by our geopark partners, such as Cottage By The Sea and The Datai Resort
How important is air service to Langkawi and how will Routes Asia contribute to your aspirations?
As an island destination, air connectivity is crucial. It is one of the major modes of transportation to the island after sea connectivity. Currently, Langkawi receives 190 scheduled flights per week.
Routes Asia will serve as a platform for LADA to connect with the region's airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation stakeholders to meet and share best practices. LADA is optimistic that hosting the event and providing senior-level airline executives with the opportunity to experience the island will lead to an increased number of international airlines initiating direct flights to Langkawi.
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