The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) will embark on aggressive plans to revive and revitalize the tourism sector following the devastating impact by the Covid-19 pandemic on Langkawi’s tourism industry.
“With 70 per cent of the island’s economy depending on the tourism, it is vital that the industry is revived.
“Dubbed the “Langkawi Tourism Recovery Plan” or T-Rec, it will include waivers or big discounts on rentals on properties owned by LADA to ease the burden of the operators (duration from Jan to June 2021).” said Kedah Menteri Besar, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who is also the co-joint chairman of LADA.
He added that as part of LADA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) they have also spent RM91,400 to assist the local community. The contribution was channelled to about 18 establishments for the purpose of training and the purchase of necessary equipment.
“The T-Rec plan for 2021-2022 is mainly aimed at the island’s recovery and win over the trust of visitors and tourists to return to Langkawi. We hope to welcome about 590,000 visitors from September to December 2021. This is expected to bring a revenue of RM288.4 million.
“For 2022, we expect to see some 2.5 million visitors to bring RM1.17 billion,” said Muhammad Sanusi in a press statement.
Among the short term plans to achieve this goal are :-
1) To reinstall Langkawi as a top tourist destination.
2) Ensure all SOPs are implemented and adhered to strictly.
3) To achieve herd immunity for the 76,400 residents of Langkawi.
4) Limit the number of visitors to Langkawi at any one time.
5) All tour agents who are registered with MOTAC to come up with attractive pakages.
6) All visitors to Langkawi will undergo strict Covid-19 checks/tests.
7) Expedite promotional material on all media channels including Tik Tok, IG Reel and Facebook.
8) Introduce e-brochures and welcome familiarization trips for top tour agents.
9) Participate in trade shows to promote langkawi.
10) Facilitate easier and convenient air and sea travel to Langkawi.
11) Host familiarization trips for influencers and social media practitioners.
12) Work on promotions with private and government sector.
“We also hope to hold mega sales promotions and garner publicity and host major events on the island. Among them are e-sports, stage and cultural shows, Ironman, and food festival to generate revenue for the local economy.
“There also plans to to diversify the tourism economy through local products and agro tourism.
“The initiatives will complement the state and federal government’s plans to promote Langkawi as premier tourist destination,” he added.