Langkawi is poised to unleash its true potential

I. Executive summaryLangkawi is an island paradise with pristine beaches, secluded islands and nature sanctuaries knownfor exotic wildlife, tropical plants and rock formations as old as the Earth. Yet its true potential has notbeen fully unleashed. We believe, however, that Langkawi has the potential to ascend to the globaltop 10 list of island and eco-destinations by 2015.2015 –TOP 10 ISLAND ANDECO-TOURISM DESTINATIONIn 2015, Langkawi offers tourists a multitude ofattractions, makes it easy and enjoyable for them toget here and to get around the island, tempts luxuryseekers with many ways to be pampered and offerspristine environments for fun, relaxation, dining andshopping.From the moment visitors set foot on our island, theyexperience Langkawi’s gracious hospitality throughefficient welcome services and cost-effective safeground transport to and from hotels and attractions.Visitors have many ways to better appreciate ournatural beauty. Nature activities such as birdwatchingon Gunung Raya and touring Kilim’s mangroveforest attract eco-tourists and expose others to thebreadth of our natural bounty. Attractions meet thehigh standard of the upgraded Panorama LangkawiSky Cab that gives visitors an eagle’s eye view ofthe island’s jungle, Gunung Machincang’s waterfallsand the turquoise sea. Authentic attractions temptvisitors to extend their stay, such as the GeositeInterpretive Centre, the living museums at LamanPadi and Makam Mahsuri as well as the newlyrevitalised Pantai Cenang waterfront.Tourists arriving from new long-haul points of originfrequent luxury accommodation on the exclusivenorth west shore. Families travelling on moremoderate budgets stay in newly upgraded Cenang.One of the hallmarks of Langkawi is exemplarystandards and practices to protect the environmentand culture. We set the national benchmark – if notthe international benchmark – for both conservationand preservation.In short, the Langkawi of 2015 hosts moretourists from more countries by offering them anexceptional experience – exceptional hospitality,services, attractions and accommodation. Besidesconsiderable pride in being in the ranks of theglobal top 10 islands – joining the likes of Bali andthe Maldives – Langkawians benefit economically.By 2015, we can expect Langkawi’s tourism andtourism-related GNI to double from RM0.8 bn in 2010to RM1.9 bn in 2015 on the back of a doubling oftourism receipts over the same period from RM1.9 bnto RM3.8 bn. With more hotels, more luxury hotelswith high ratios of staff to guests and new attractionsoffering high quality service, we can expect 4,200more jobs to be created.Langkawi will be better – better for tourists andbetter for the locals.- 4 -