Malaysia's top beach holiday destination, Langkawi in Kedah, is ready for a boom in luxury hospitality with 1,750 additional hotel rooms set to come on stream within the next two years.
The expansion will grow the island’s existing five-star room inventory by about 85%.
Langkawi has about 20,000 hotel rooms across all classifications, including 2,017 in the five-star segment and 2,376 four-star rooms, according to Muzaffar Zoher of the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).
"Six more high-end properties are under construction in Langkawi. These should open within two years," Muzaffar said at a tourism industry fair in New Delhi, India recently.
The popular Cenang beach area will welcome three new properties under the Hilton, Marriott International and Tropicana Corporation groups, while Burau Bay is set to receive a new hotel by Hilton.
A Ramada hotel is set to open at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in Kuah town, while the D’Citrine mixed-use development is expected to further boost the hospitality sector.
"These projects will enhance Langkawi's appeal as a year-round luxury getaway," Muzaffar said.
The majority of foreign visitors to Langkawi come from India, China, Britain and various Arab countries.
More than 25% of Indian travellers to Malaysia include Langkawi in their itinerary.
Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists has led to a rise in honeymooners, solo travellers and families visiting Langkawi. –Bernama
