Langkawi, 16th September 2021 – Langkawi has made history as the first tourism destination to be opened to receive domestic tourists under national travel bubble programme. Malaysia Airlines’ MH1432 (Boeing 737-800) with 159 passengers is among the first flights to bring in tourists from Kuala Lumpur into Langkawi.
“This is a huge relief for Langkawi’s tourism industry players who are now mostly ready to welcome visitors into the island,” says Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib, Chief Executive Officer of LADA.
On the first day of reopening, about 3200 tourists are expected to arrive in Langkawi via two main entrances, namely Langkawi International Airport and Kuah Passenger Jetty. Ticket sales for the two transportation modes receive an overwhelming response from local tourists. An estimated 2200 visitor arrivals would be recorded provided no flight cancellation was made, meanwhile not less than 700 visitors would arrive via Kuah Jetty if there are no changes in the fixed ferry schedule.
LADA is also expecting the possibility of addition in the number of actual flight and ferry arrivals scheduled. Despite such scenario, the arrivals are still under control and would be continuously monitored to prevent overcrowding in Langkawi.
“State government is receiving Langkawi’s reopening as pilot destination for travel bubble with open arms. This firm collaboration between state government, MOTAC, and LADA would be maintained to ensure this reopening of Langkawi could be sustained with good practice of new norms. Authorities are urged to continuously monitor and carry out enforcement to safeguard the indisputable success of Langkawi’s tourism bubble in the future,” says YAB Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Chief Minister of Kedah.
Reviewing tourist entry data on the first day of Langkawi’s tourism sector reopening, LADA is optimistic the arrival of 400,000 holidaymakers as targeted in Langkawi Tourism Recovery Plan (T-REC) 2021-2022 could be achieved.
