Latest news with #LangkawiDevelopmentAuthority
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sailing industry can enhance Langkawi's potential as leading tourism destination
LANGKAWI: The sailing industry can become a catalyst in further enhancing Langkawi's potential to be a world-renowned tourism destination as well as a sailing hub in the region. Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslilna Abdul Hamid said the economic spillover from the industry, which includes shipping activities, maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as boat manufacturing, is capable of generating job opportunities and driving local and national economic development. 'Langkawi is an island, so as an island, it definitely has a marina. So, with this facility, the sailing industry will have a positive impact on the local economy. 'If the sailing sector can flourish, a lot of economic spillovers can be enjoyed by the local community,' she told reporters here today. Earlier, she delivered the keynote address at the Malaysia Yachting Conference held in conjunction with the 2025 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'25) here today. Haslina said Langkawi currently has three marinas, namely Langkawi Yacht Club, Telaga Harbour Marina and Rebak Marina Langkawi, which are quite limited and can only accommodate yachts of a certain size. 'We receive many requests from super yachts that want to enter the facility, but we can't because only yachts measuring 80 metres in length are allowed to dock. 'So, there is a need to expand the marina if we want to further stimulate the economy from the yacht industry... we need to see what needs to be done at the existing marinas, if we want to add a new marina it may be a little complicated,' she said. Meanwhile, she hopes that the Malaysia International Boat Show 2025 (MYBOS'25) and the Malaysia Sailing Conference could become annual events that could further enhance Langkawi's identity as a regional sailing hub.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Langkawi eyes sailing industry to boost tourism, economy
LANGKAWI: The sailing industry can become a catalyst in further enhancing Langkawi's potential to be a world-renowned tourism destination as well as a sailing hub in the region. Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslilna Abdul Hamid said the economic spillover from the industry, which includes shipping activities, maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as boat manufacturing, is capable of generating job opportunities and driving local and national economic development. 'Langkawi is an island, so as an island, it definitely has a marina. So, with this facility, the sailing industry will have a positive impact on the local economy. 'If the sailing sector can flourish, a lot of economic spillovers can be enjoyed by the local community,' she told reporters here today. Earlier, she delivered the keynote address at the Malaysia Yachting Conference held in conjunction with the 2025 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'25) here today. Haslina said Langkawi currently has three marinas, namely Langkawi Yacht Club, Telaga Harbour Marina and Rebak Marina Langkawi, which are quite limited and can only accommodate yachts of a certain size. 'We receive many requests from super yachts that want to enter the facility, but we can't because only yachts measuring 80 metres in length are allowed to dock. 'So, there is a need to expand the marina if we want to further stimulate the economy from the yacht industry... we need to see what needs to be done at the existing marinas, if we want to add a new marina it may be a little complicated,' she said. Meanwhile, she hopes that the Malaysia International Boat Show 2025 (MYBOS'25) and the Malaysia Sailing Conference could become annual events that could further enhance Langkawi's identity as a regional sailing hub.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Foreign visitors continue to lead tourist arrivals in Langkawi
LANGKAWI: Foreigners continue to make up the majority of tourist arrivals in Langkawi, accounting for about 60% compared to locals as the island is poised to attract even more international visitors this year through a series of global events. 'Since last year, foreign visitors have accounted for approximately 60% of the total tourist arrivals, surpassing local tourists. 'We have seen reports indicate a growing preference among Malaysians for other destinations over Langkawi. In facing this challenge, we are emphasising that the unique experiences and offerings available here distinguish us significantly from other locations,' Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) CEO Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid told SunBiz yesterday at the ongoing 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2025) here. Haslina said Lada has been actively inviting key individuals from other countries, including artistes and professionals, to visit Langkawi and assist in promoting the island. When asked, she said the budget allocation for these initiatives varies, depending on the specific programme. 'Beyond promotional efforts, we also engage in community-based programmes aimed at preserving and showcasing local culture. 'In response to inquiries about international events, we do organise such activities, including sailing events. For example, the annual regatta takes place from January through March, attracting participants and spectators from around the world,' Haslina said when asked about sailing events for this year. This year, Langkawi will host several prestigious sailing events, including the Royal Regatta and the Regatta Pergana for youth, she said. 'We also have Sail Malaysia, featuring participants sailing all the way from Australia. We also have scheduled the social regatta and the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta. These are all part of our annual calendar of events. Beyond sailing, Langkawi is proud to host international competitions such as the Ironman triathlon. This year marks the 10th edition of the Ironman event, which last year attracted over 2,000 participants. Our target for this year is to exceed 3,000 participants. 'Furthermore, the Langkawi International Half Marathon is another major sporting event on our schedule. Last year, it drew approximately 4,000 participants, highlighting the growing appeal of Langkawi as a destination for international sporting events,' Haslina said. She added that according to the organiser of this year's event, the registration website was open for less than an hour before attracting about 6,500 participants. This exceeded the initial target of 5,000, demonstrating strong interest and demand. Haslina noted that Langkawi is set to host several international sporting events, including an international soccer tournament for schools in Malaysia and an upcoming international seven-a-side rugby competition. Additionally, an international tennis event is scheduled for next year. 'In total, last year we organised approximately 49 programmes, with around 70% of these being international in nature. This demonstrates the island's growing reputation as a hub for global events. 'Moreover, the cost of living and activities in Langkawi remains affordable and manageable, countering the common perception that it is an expensive destination,' Haslina said.
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tourism Malaysia steps up VMY2026 preparations with Langkawi dialogue
Tourism Malaysia held a high-level engagement session with industry stakeholders in Langkawi today, marking a significant step in operational preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar said the session, which involved tourism industry players, focused on intensifying promotional strategies, enhancing tourism products and strengthening public–private sector cooperation to support the goals of VMY2026. "The selection of 'Malaysia: Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination' as the theme for VMY2026 reflects the nation's aspiration to position Malaysia as an exclusive destination that balances tourism development with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. "Langkawi is a world-class tourism destination renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and diverse flora and fauna. In addition to being recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is known as a premier destination that upholds sustainability values," he said in a statement today. The session was officiated by Kedah State Economic Planning Division director Junaidi Abdul Rani@Abdul Ghani and attended by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, along with representatives from government agencies, tourism associations, airlines, hotel operators, tourism product providers and local travel agents. Shahrin said the Kedah government's continued commitment to green tourism initiatives has helped position Langkawi as one of the key destinations in energising VMY2026. "Among the initiatives undertaken are environmental conservation, the rebranding of existing tourism products and the promotion of sustainability-based activities to enrich the tourist experience on the island. "With continued support from various stakeholders, Langkawi is expected to remain a strategic asset in making VMY2026 a success and in positioning Malaysia as a premier sustainable and resilient tourism destination," he said.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Not feasible for Kedah govt to operate ferry, flight services to Langkawi
ALOR STAR: Proposals for the Kedah state government to manage ferry and flight services from the capital to Langkawi have been deemed impractical and commercially unviable. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin stressed the importance of learning from the Langkawi Development Authority's (Lada) past failure to sustain its ferry service to the island. "There was a time when Lada operated a ferry service in the hope of enhancing the tourism sector and improving local connectivity. However, the initiative failed to achieve its intended objectives, as the ferries purchased were unable to operate optimally or consistently," he told the state assembly today. Salleh added that a series of technical issues, along with weaknesses in maintenance and operational management, ultimately rendered the ferries unfit for regular use. "As a result, the investment failed to deliver satisfactory returns for the agency and caused financial and reputational damage to Lada and its subsidiary," he said in response to a suggestion from Amar Pared Mahamud (PN–Kuah). Salleh also said that operating flights from Alor Star to Langkawi was not commercially viable. "It is worth noting that the relatively short distance — some 100km — makes the route less viable for flight services when compared with existing land and sea transport alternatives," he said, in response to a suggestion by Loh Wei Chai (PH–Bakar Arang). However, Salleh expressed openness to further engagement with the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and airline operators to conduct a feasibility study on the route. "This could include exploring the potential for seasonal or chartered flights, particularly in conjunction with the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign for promotional purposes," he said.
