Intensifying Inbound Tourism Efforts For Langkawi
Malaysia Airports Held A Three-Pronged Event as Part of Efforts To Boost Inbound Tourism for Langkawi And Position Malaysia as A Global Hub.
LANGKAWI – Malaysia Airports continues to position Malaysia as a global aviation hub by intensifying its efforts in improving network connectivity and promoting inbound tourism into Langkawi.
During a three-pronged event in Langkawi International Airport (IATA Code: LGK) today, the airport operator held a welcome reception for Malindo Air's inaugural flight from Phuket to Langkawi, launched the Langkawi International Tourism Promotional Fund (LITPF) and unveiled 'Himpun' - a showcase by local entrepreneurs on the best products that Malaysia has to offer.
The event, which was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2019 (LIMA’19) was graced by the Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Loke Siew Fook; Chief Executive Officer of Malindo Air, Mr. Chandran Rama Muthy; Chairman of Malaysia Airports, Tan Sri Datuk Zainun Ali; and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Malaysia Airports, Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin.
According to Raja Azmi, the double-digit growth of nearly 30% for international passenger traffic movements at LGK last year was the result of extensive efforts in promoting Langkawi as an attractive destination.
“I am happy that the addition of the new Phuket-Langkawi route brings the total number of destinations served from LGK to 18, seven of which are international destinations," he added.
The new Phuket-Langkawi route by Malindo Air will operate three times weekly and is expected to present holiday-makers with the opportunity to ‘island-hop’ between the two countries.
Meanwhile, according to Chandra Rama, “The connection is making it convenient for travelers to fly in from Phuket to Langkawi, and continue their adventure exploring the other part of the Andaman sea by indulging themselves in the tropical paradise, culture heritage and duty-free island. Since 2017, Malindo Air has brought about half a million passengers to Langkawi. We are committed to continue promoting Langkawi to the world through our network and in growing more international tourist and passengers' arrival into Malaysia."
On top of the new service route, the airport operator also launched the Langkawi International Tourism Promotional Fund (LITPF). The LITPF is a RM5 million fund to facilitate the marketing and promotion of Langkawi as an attractive destination. The programme will run for two years starting from June 2019 and will be made available to eligible industry players such as airlines, tour operators, travel agents and destination marketing companies.
Malaysia Airports also continues its initiative to create 'a sense of Malaysia' at its airports. This initiative is part of the commercial reset strategy that is meant to raise the airports' retail profile in order to improve airport experience for guests. 'Himpun' at LGK is a collaboration between Malaysia Airports and Malaysia Design Development Centre (DDEC) that is meant to showcase the best of Malaysian fashion, craft, delicacies and products to an international audience. LGK is the first of airports under the management of Malaysia Airports to fully benefit from the commercial reset. The newly spruced up airport is also seeing the introduction of internationally established brands such as Costa Coffee, Burger King, Charles and Keith, Plaza Premium Lounge and many more, as part of the commercial reset.iw
Loke commended efforts by the airport operator to strengthen Malaysia's position as a preferred hub within the region, “Malaysia already possesses inherent strengths, among which are our strategic location within ASEAN, strong network connectivity in KLIA, and a low cost-base for airlines operations. We are also situated within the Asia Pacific region, which according to the International Air Travel Association or IATA, is expected to see global passenger growth of 4.6% from 2016 to 2036, the third highest after Africa and the Middle East. In order to strengthen the country’s position as a hub, it is crucial for us to have high international flight frequencies with many international destinations. This is why we need to attract more foreign airlines to operate from within Malaysia, not only at KL International Airport but also at other international airports in the country.”