ALOR SETAR: Langkawi is developing towards becoming a mature, quality driven and sustainable tourism industry, says the Langkawi Tourism Industry Players Association (PPIPL).
Refusing claims that it is in a sluggish state, its
chairman Raseli Yahya emphasised that the island's strength as a tourism destination cannot be measured solely based on the number of tourists.
"If it is packed with tourists it will come to a point of affecting the identity and well-being of the local community and affect environmental sustainability.
"Langkawi continues to remain one of the country's main tourism destinations because it has its own uniqueness including the Unesco Global Geopark status.
"It offers natural beauty, exclusive scenic views, peace and a friendly local community," he said in his statement on Friday (May 8).
He said Langkawi has been recognised internationally as one of the best islands in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler, which proves that it (Langkawi) still draws in global tourists.
"Official data from the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) shows that the number of tourist arrivals in Langkawi continues to increase consistently after the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In 2021, Langkawi recorded 1,093,937 tourists. This increased by 136% in 2022 with a record of 2,581,605 visitors.
"In 2023, Langkawi recorded 2,810,322 tourists, an 8.3% increase.
"In 2024, it recorded 2,904,629 (an increase of 3.4%) and in 2025 it recorded 3,215,730 (a 10.7% increase) in tourists," he said.
Raseli said a total of 3.21 million tourists recorded in 2025 proves that Langkawi remains relevant and continues to be a destination choice for domestic and international tourists.
"We are confident that the increase in tourist arrivals in Langkawi is driven by various initiatives, infrastructure development and continuous promotion programmes implemented by Lada both domestically and abroad.
"Working closely and good cooperation between tourism industry players and Lada had helped strengthen ties to ensure that Langkawi remains the top choice for local and international tourists as a world-class holiday destination," he said.
Raseli expressed appreciation for the call by the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status.
"All parties need to work together to strengthen creative promotions, supported by stable governance and family oriented tourism, in addition to organising controlled entertainment events to ensure that Langkawi continues to shine on the world stage.
"Bali, in Indonesia and Phuket, in Thailand, may have their own advantages, but Langkawi offers tranquility, natural beauty, safety and unique experiences that are difficult to find in other places," he said.
