Langkawi is on track to achieve its target in tourist arrivals since Malaysia reopened its borders on April 1 this year.

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib said about 1.4 million tourists had visited the island in Kedah this year.

“We are expecting to achieve our target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by December this year.

“Right now, about 85% of the island’s visitors are domestic tourists,” he said during a press conference at a hotel in Johor Baru.

Nasaruddin hopes there will be more flight carriers from foreign countries to increase travel frequency to Langkawi soon.

“We hope to attract more foreign tourists, especially through Singapore, as our economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nasaruddin said as a step forward to strengthen Langkawi’s position as one of the country’s top travel destinations, Lada is planning a series of roadshows in Klang Valley, Penang and Ipoh, to attract more affluent tourists.

“Langkawi is still very affordable to domestic tourists. For instance, some travel packages can go as low as RM500 for a one-night accommodation, inclusive of meals and island activities,” he added.

Recently, Langkawi emerged fifth in Asia’s Best Awards 2022 for the Top 10 Islands in Southeast Asia.