Langkawi, 15th August 2020 – Langkawi’s economic recovery has been the current focus of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). As an island with high dependence on tourism sector at the rate as high as 70 percent, Langkawi also receives a huge blow from the global recession induced by the start of COVID-19 pandemic. To safeguard Langkawi’s tourism sector from further crumbling, LADA is putting in efforts to revive the island’s economic dynamism by introducing tourism initiatives under Langkawi Economy Roadmap Plan (HELANG).

The agency is hopeful that the current tourism scenario on the island could be improved with the introduction of HELANG. With three (3) main thrusts supported by 10 strategies and 30 action drafts, three (3) of the strategies are concerned with Langkawi’s tourism sector as listed below:

  • 1. Rebranding Langkawi as a safe, clean, and sustainable destination;
  • 2. Promoting Langkawi tourism with focus; and
  • 3. Reopening of Langkawi as a tourism destination.

Today, the launching of tourism initiatives under this plan has been officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It was held to highlight the tourism initiatives and consequently promote Langkawi’s economic recovery efforts more effectively. The four (4) launched initiatives are:

Langkawi Great Sale (LGS)

  • i. The programme is under the initiative of rebranding Langkawi as a safe, clean, and sustainable destination. It aims to promote Langkawi that has been badly affected from COVID-19 pandemic. LGS will be implemented from 1st September until 31st December 2020 after its launch on this coming 29th August 2020 at Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur. Its coordination also emphasises the involvement of all tourism industry players in Langkawi comprising tourism product, hotel, and duty-free shop operators, tourism agents, as well as tour guides.
  • ii. Four (4) main packages will be offered at special prices to domestic tourists, namely the Honeymoon, Family, Group (Leisure), and Group (MICE) Packages. The packages offered cover accommodation and transport, along with visit to as well as shopping voucher rewards at selected tourism products.

Langkawi Travel Fair (LTF)

  • i. This initiative is one of the main post-COVID actions to increase the entries of domestic tourists into Langkawi, thereby regenerating the economy of the island’s industry players and locals.
  • ii. LTF is scheduled to be held in four (4) series at the following venues:
  • a. Sunway Pyramid Mall (21st to 23rd August 2020)
  • b. Putrajaya Lake Club (networking session) (24th August 2020)
  • c. IOI City Mall Putrajaya (4th to 6th September 2020); and
  • d. Penang Island (September 2020)

Legendary Trails

These trails are created to provide tourists opportunities to travel on the island following trails suited to their preferences. The seven (7) trails implied are Geo Trail, Eco Trail, Adventure Trail, Culture & Heritage Trail, Duty-Free Shopping Trail, Leisure & Learning Trail, and Food Trail. The newly introduced initiative will attract more visitors to enjoy the diverse tourism experiences in Langkawi.

Kuah Down Memory Lane Trail/Guidebook

  • i. Kuah Down Memory Lane is an excursion whereby visitors accompanied by tour guides will embark on trips to recollect memories, history, and culture of Langkawi community especially around the town of Kuah. The introduction of this new tourism product by Langkawi Tour Guide Association (LTGA) in collaboration with LADA will offer holidaymakers a refreshingly different tourism experience, hence providing added values for Langkawi.
  • ii. The adventure starts at the main entrance of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and ends at Laman Mar Mar. Tour guides will be explaining in detail the stories behind each historical location such as Jalan Pantai Dato’ Syed Omar, Kuah Jetty, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), Legenda Park, The Old Sanatorium, CHOGM Park, Kelana FC Field, Al-Hana Mosque, Kuah Old Town, and Kuah River. The total time taken for the whole trip is about two (2) hours which covers a total distance of 1.5 km.

During early announcement of HELANG on last 31st May 2020, one quick win action known as Retraining & Upskilling of Langkawi Tourism Frontliners Programme has been implemented under the strategy of rebranding Langkawi as a safe, clean, and sustainable destination. The programme was successfully held with cooperation from Langkawi Tourism Academy (LTA) from 5th to 17th July 2020.

LADA hopes the strategies and actions that have been planned and launched this time would not only reinstate Langkawi’s tourism income but also bolster the island, making it more durable in surviving the economic recovery phase that is still uncertain. Involvement of all government agencies, private sector, industry players, NGOs, and local community is deemed as the main pillar to resuscitate the island’s economy.

-THE END-

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
15th August 2020

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For further information regarding this press statement/release, please contact
Corporate Services Unit (UKK) (LADA) at 04-9600626.