Kedah govt confident mainland can match Langkawi's tourism appeal

 

The atmosphere of Tok Pasai Bridge, illuminated by colorful lights, is one of the latest attractions in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025 at Tok Pasai Bridge, Kuala Kedah. - NSTP/WAN NABIL NASIR

KUALA KEDAH: The Kedah government is confident that mainland Kedah can draw as much tourist interest as Langkawi during the Visit Kedah Year 2025 (VK2025) campaign.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the campaign aims to attract seven million visitors, with 3.5 million expected to visit Langkawi and mainland Kedah each.

"Insya-Allah, with continuous efforts from all parties, we are confident of achieving this goal," he said during the symbolic opening ceremony of the Tok Pasai Bridge night lights yesterday.

Salleh expressed confidence in meeting the target, citing the promising number of visitors received by the state during the recent school holidays.

"Recently, during the school holidays, we observed more than 100,000 visitors arriving in Langkawi from Dec 20 alone."

"This figure exceeded last year's school holiday numbers, showing that Kedah's tourism, especially in Langkawi, has rebounded. That is why we dared to set a target of seven million," he added.

Salleh also welcomed constructive criticism of the state government's efforts in the tourism sector.

"We are open to criticism. In just one year and three months of helming this portfolio, we have taken bold steps to launch campaigns of this scale.

"This reflects our commitment to elevate Kedah's tourism to new heights. People can comment or say what they like, but we know what we are doing," he added.

On the Tok Pasai Bridge night lights, Salleh said the initiative is part of the state government's efforts to enhance tourism in Kuala Kedah.

"The lights will be turned on daily from 7.30pm to midnight during VK2025. We hope this initiative will remind the local community to maintain environmental cleanliness," he said.

He added that a viewpoint structure may be added to further elevate the bridge's appeal as a tourism attraction.

-nst online.