Famous suspension bridge on Langkawi Island
MALAYSIA’s Kedah state government hopes to increase domestic and international footfall through its year-long Discover Kedah 2016 campaign.
It is aiming for 5 million tourists this year, comprising 63 per cent domestic and 37 per cent foreign arrivals, expected to bring a total of RM5.87 billion (US$1.33 billion) in revenue to the northern state.
Zulkifli Mohamad, CEO of Kedah Tourism, said: “Langkawi has a strong brand and an international airport and through this campaign, we want people to associate Langkawi with Kedah. When they visit Langkawi, we also want them to extend their holiday to the mainland.” Traditionally, the islands of Langkawi often overshadows the Kedah mainland and has more developed tourism products.
The campaign will target tourists from the ASEAN region, China, South Korea and Japan. It will also target Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries through charter flights.
Products promoted in the campaign include the Alor Setar Heritage Trail, Merbok River Cruise, Sedim river and tree top walk, Ulu Legong Hot Spring, Mount Keriang Cave and Kedah Paddy Museum.
To lure more domestic tourists, Kedah Tourism will be involved in the upcoming MITA Tourism Fair, organised by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Organisation. It will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from January 29 to 31.
The inaugural fair will highlight attractions and products within Malaysia, aimed at promoting domestic tourism.
