Langkawi expects 450,000 tourists via 'RoRo' ferry services

 

LANGKAWI: Tourist arrivals to Langkawi via roll-on roll-off (RoRo) passenger and vehicle ferry services are expected to rise to 450,000 this year, marking a six per cent increase. 

The growth is attributed to the rising popularity of RoRo ferries as an alternative mode of transport among travellers, driven by improved onboard facilities and more affordable pricing for trips to the island. 

Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd general manager, Muhd Nasir Abd Aziz, said the company is fully prepared to manage the anticipated increase in passenger and vehicle traffic at Tanjung Lembung Port this year. 

"The increase in tourist arrivals through Langkawi's third entry point is one of our key focus areas, in line with the implementation of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. 

"We are projecting about 450,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles to be handled by Langkawi Port this year," he said when met today. 

Nasir said records showed that the company handled 422,709 passengers and 152,384 vehicles throughout last year.

"The new passenger target of 450,000 represents a six per cent increase, while the vehicle target of 160,000 units reflects growth of about five per cent. 

"We are confident of achieving these targets, supported by the positive momentum in tourist arrivals, particularly during the ongoing school holiday period," he said. 

He added that the port recorded 32,584 passenger arrivals, averaging about 2,000 a day, as well as 9,813 vehicles, or an average of 560 units daily, between Dec 19 and Dec 31 last year.

-nst online.