GIVING LANGKAWI ANOTHER BOOST

During premiership of Tun Dr Mahathir Langkawi was given  all sorts of tourism boost with the implementation of initiatives aimed at developing luxury accommodation, improving connectivity through various incentive programme.

Billions were spent in those days to promote the legendary island on a sustainable basis.

 

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has been tasked to lead several initiatives, which are part of the Langkawi Blueprint launched last December by the PM Dato Sri Mohd Najib to make the island a world-renowned destination. 

The first initiative is geared towards the development of more elite accommodation options and commercial zones, according to Redza Rafiq, NCIA chief executive. It will yield a 268-room luxury property that will be managed by Ri-Yaz Hotels and Resorts by 2015, and five five-star properties by government-investment company Khazanah Nasional. 

The second initiative will see NCIA, Malaysia Airports and the Ministry of Tourism coming together to develop the Langkawi Charter Flight Incentive Programme, which seeks to improve direct connectivity to the island by rewarding airlines and travel trade players for bringing in higher arrivals. 

The third initiative is aimed at developing human capital. Redza said: “The NCIA is working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education to launch a tourism academy to enhance the availability of industry-relevant skill sets in Langkawi.” 

However some industry players are not convinced that this will help boost the islands tourism potentials. Andy Muniandy, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel director of sales, applauded the creation of a tourism academy but he was “not convinced” by the luxury hotel initiative. “The island has enough five-star hotels. These properties are struggling as (bookings from) Europe – their target market – has dropped by 20 to 30 per cent. What is needed are more affordable four-star hotels,” he said.