Langkawi set to become leading global eco-destination

Premier holiday destination Langkawi has been awarded as one of the 10 Best Destinations in Malaysia by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice for the second consecutive year. The world's oldest rock formation, 99 idyllic beaches, 230 species of birds, verdant mangroves and lush jungles are among the natural treasures that make Langkawi the "Jewel of Kedah". Poised to become one of the world's top 10 eco-tourism destinations, Langkawi continues to shine under the management of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

"We are happy to share our natural paradise with the world," says Khalid bin Ramli, CEO. "Langkawi is the natural choice of the world's tourists."

LADA enjoys the support of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who launched the "Naturally Langkawi" brand. Driven by a vision of Langkawi as an island tourist destination, Najib unveiled the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint in 2011. The road map of the blueprint outlines 14 initiatives for tourism products, infrastructure and enablers with the goal of serving about 3 million tourists by 2015. LADA surpassed this goal as early as 2012 by serving 3.06 million tourists, and outperformed itself by welcoming 11.5 per cent more visitors or 3.14 million tourists last year.

LADA is progressing rapidly in carrying out the blueprint's tourism initiatives, which are crowned by the development of Langkawi's Geopark. Unesco endorsed the archipelago as the first and only geopark in Southeast Asia in 2007.

Steeped in history and tradition, Langkawi's living museums are a key area for improvement under the blueprint, and are among the cultural attractions that make the archipelago attractive to overseas visitors. Fulfilling the blueprint's objective of becoming an ideal venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, Langkawi is set to host the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur 2014 World Championship in May, Ironman Malaysia in September, the Langkawi Art Biennale in October and the Asean Summit next year.

LADA is also making significant headway in attracting investments to develop more luxury accommodations and the upscale, northwest section of the archipelago. Langkawi has more than 9,000 hotel rooms and prestigious hotel brands such as Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi, The Andaman, and Rebak Island Resort - A Taj Hotel.

LADA ensures investment opportunities go hand-in-hand with care for the environment and community development as it welcomes visitors to Langkawi's shores. With total investments of 8.5 billion ringgit (HK$20.11 billion), LADA bested the blueprint's 2015 investment target of 5 billion ringgit. "We have already exceeded our investment target; however, we remain very selective, as an investment should be something which is eco-friendly," Khalid says.