KUALA LUMPUR: With strong signs of a thriving tourism sector, the future for Langkawi’s hospitality sector in 2025 appears extremely positive.
Under the Greater Kedah 2050 vision, which strongly focuses on ecotourism, upscale resorts, and economic growth, the island is set for significant development.
The 3.5 million visitors Langkawi hopes to attract in 2025 is “safely achievable” according to industry watchers, and it will coincide with Visit Kedah Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 planning.
From 2.81 million tourists and RM6.43 billion in 2023 to 2.9 million last year, the island brought in RM7.03 billion in tourism revenue.
Despite increased competition in Langkawi, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, a property of Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts, is confident about its business growth in the face of this expanding demand.
In comparison to 2019 data, general manager Neoh Kean Boon observed a consistent increase in visitor arrivals.
“We’re seeing growth from well-established markets that have visited Langkawi for decades and new markets just beginning to explore the island’s charm,” Neoh told NST Property in an email.
The five-star resort has begun a comprehensive makeover of its meeting and banquet facilities in response to increased demand, with completion anticipated this quarter.
“The resort will unveil a new grand ballroom c vxannex and fully upgraded pre-function and meeting rooms, allowing us to host events for up to 3,000 guests across our various spaces,” Neoh stated.
Last month, Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, the chief executive officer of the Langkawi Development Authority, stated that the rise in visitor expenditure highlights the island’s increasing standing as a high-end tourism destination.
She emphasized two significant accomplishments from 2024: a record-breaking 1.7 million foreign arrivals and the highest-ever international tourist receipts of RM5.1 billion. These numbers exceeded the previous records, which were achieved in 2018 when the island received 1.54 million foreign visitors and RM4.638 billion in foreign receipts.
Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, the head of the State Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Entrepreneurship Committee, stated that hotel occupancy rates had significantly increased in December 2024, with an average occupancy of 78% according to data from the Malaysian Association of Hotels.
Ferry operators also reported a spike in visitor arrivals during the school break, with more than 100,000 people taking the ferry to Langkawi since December 20.
The general manager of Langkawi International Airport, Che Sulaiman Che Pa, revealed that starting December 1, the number of passengers arriving by air has increased. Previously, the airport handled 2,800 to 4,000 passengers per day on 27 to 31 flights, but now it handles 3,900 to 4,900 passengers daily.
