Langkawi records 1.5 million tourists in second quarter

 

LANGKAWI: Langkawi's tourism sector continues to chart encouraging growth, with tourist arrivals surpassing 1.5 million in the first six months of the year. 

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Iskandar Mohd Kaus said as of June 30, the island recorded 1,525,953 tourist arrivals, representing 43.6 per cent of its 3.5 million target for 2024. 

"Of this figure, 1,325,225 were domestic visitors, while 200,728 were international tourists, mainly from India, China, the United Kingdom, Poland and Russia.

"We are confident the number will rise significantly by December," he told reporters after the handover of Kampung Angkat Madani Phase 1 allocation at Masjid Ar-Rahman, Kampung Kedawang, yesterday. 

Iskandar said the third and fourth quarters are expected to record even higher arrivals, fuelled by major events such as Ironman Malaysia Langkawi and the Langkawi Writers Festival.

"In addition, Lada, together with Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG), has launched the Langkawi Special Deals programme, offering attractive packages with discounts ranging from 20 to 70 per cent," he said. 

On KAM, Iskandar said Kampung Gelam in Kedawang has received RM1 million for various community development projects this year. 

Among the allocations, Masjid Ar-Rahman received RM635,000 for the construction of an open hall, perimeter fencing and roof upgrades. 

SK Kedawang was allocated RM50,000 for student waiting facilities, while SMK Kedawang received RM65,000 to improve its parking area. 

"In total, the Federal Government channelled RM700,000 in the first phase for mosque and school facilities in the area. We hope these projects will bring tangible benefits to the local community," he said.

-nst online.