More events in Langkawi to lure tourists

LANGKAWI: More world-class events will be held until July in a bid to ensure tourist arrivals to the resort island remains at a positive level.
Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said the organising of cultural-related events was vital as the period from last month till July was known as the low season for tourists in Langkawi.

“We have to promote our cultures. Foreign tourists come here to see our unique cultures,” he said.
Khalid said among the iconic events lined up were Emping or Flakes Festival, International Noodles Festival, International Jet Ski Challenge and several international conferences.

Meanwhile, Khalid said Lada would also give extra focus on the cleanliness aspect in the island as it was among the important factors which would determine success in luring more tourists. - Bernama

AL :-

I suggest not making more event but lobbiying event which was suppose to be held in Langkawi such as Le Tour De Langkawi. 

If cost is an issue to the organiser probably LADA can give some contribution (whenever held in Langkawi) in order for the event to be held in Langkawi. 
 

Langkawi out to draw the sun, sea and surgery crowd

LANGKAWI has invited international investors to consider pumping in funds to develop the medical tourism sector on the island.
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said the island was taking its cue from Penang, which enjoys a multi-million ringgit turnover from healthcare-related services in its private hospitals.
He said Langkawi offered a suitable place for medical tourism due to its natural landscape.

“The island resort is generally good for rehabilitation due to its pristine hills and beaches. It can also act as a research incubator for the healthcare sector,” he said in an interview.
Since over a million people visit Langkawi annually, he said it would be good for tourists to also explore health matters during their stay.

Investors and researchers, he added, could tap the huge natural resources of the island including the sea cucumber (gamat) which has medicinal value.
Khalid, a former Penang state secretary and a former Implementation Coordination Unit director-general, has big plans for the island.
LADA was recently given RM5bil in federal grant to upgrade the status of Langkawi as a premier international tourism destination.

He said that besides medical tourism, LADA was keen to position Langkawi as an eco- tourism haven.
On the hospitality side, Khalid announced that LADA was also keen to lure investors for six-star property since there was a growing market for luxurious resorts.
LADA’s target is to record three million visitor arrivals by 2015 compared to an average of over one million in the last ten years.

Source - the star

AL :-

I might not be in line with the suggestion. Why want to make Langkawi as Medical tourism centre? Cant we just concentrate on what we have. Another idea injected in without having a deep through study & examination. LADA always like this..

Medical tourism will make Langkawi in direct competition with Penang & Kuala Lumpur. Waste medical management will be another problem. 

I think LADA better take the steep to have fund to study & enhance capibility of Local doctors in combating decease related to tourism. (such as jellyfish problem & dengue). Rather than promoting another sector of tourism without even study the outcome good or note. 

Introducing Langkawi to Australian by Tourism Malaysia

Some of Malaysia's finest resorts and most stunning beaches come together here to offer visitors a relaxing break amidst UNESCO-listed natural beauty.
Made up of one large island surrounded by dozens of smaller ones, Langkawi is designed for fun family holidays in a beautiful beach setting.
Snorkelling and scuba diving in the clear waters of Palau Payar Marine Park marine sanctuary is a favourite holiday activity.

There's plenty to do on the water as well as under it, with sailing, kayaking and power boating around the many islands a great way to spend the day. There's a stunning array of fish and other sea life in Langkawi to keep you company, including regular visits from three different species of whale, giant whale sharks, four species of dolphin and ever comical sea otters.
Beyond the beach, Langkawi is home to a range of spectacular natural reserves that help protect local animal life and make for great day trips inland.

Check the official Tourism Malaysia site for more info.

More Efforts To Promote Kedah To Tourists In Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia is intensifying its efforts to promote tourism products in Kedah to tourists in Langkawi.

Kedah Tourism Malaysia director Roslan Othman said two tourism packages - Alor Setar City Tour and Royal Heritage Trail - had also been made available to lure tourists in Langkawi to Kedah.

"A total of 20,000 brochures on the packages had been distributed for this purpose and they were placed at three tourist information centres in Padang Matsirat International Airport, Kuah town and Kuah jetty," he told Bernama, on Wednesday.

He said the Royal Heritage Trail, which showcases the history of Kedah Sultanate, would bring tourists to several attractive destinations in the state like the Yellow Palace, Merdeka House, Tunku Sultan Gallery, Golden Jubilee Park, Zahir Mosque, Royal Museum and Anak Bukit Palace.

The Alor Setar City Tour would comprise a visit to Alor Setar Tower, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's House, Kedah Museum, Padi Museum, Sultan Abdul Hamid College (oldest college in Kedah), Keriang Mountain and Tanjung Chali.

Roslan said many were still unaware of the attractive tourism products available in Kedah, including Alor Setar.

Hence, he said the promotion was hoped to increase the number of tourist arrivals in the state.

"So far, the promotion in Langkawi has received encouraging response from the tourists," he added.

-- BERNAMA

AL :- Good effort to bring tourist to Kedah. But the Kedah government need to ensure all the places suggested need to be in tip-top condition. 

Not Enough Rooms For Visitors In Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The arrival of too many foreign and domestic tourists to the resort island of Langkawi during the Chinese New Year has left many of them with no place to stay.

An estimated 50,000 tourists arrived on the legendary island to spend the Chinese New Year holiday resulting in all hotels, resorts, chalets and homestays being fully occupied.

Those who have no place to stay slept in their vehicles, at the beach and also in mosques.

A few ferry operators when met, said last Thursday was the busiest day as they had to handle about 20,000 passengers.

A spokesman for the Baron Group, which owns a resort and hotel chain in Langkawi, said all rooms at their hotels were booked for the Chinese New Year holiday.

He advised those wishing to go to the island, especially during the holidays, to make early plans, including room reservation.

A manager of a passenger ferry service, Wong Sie Kiong, said there was enough ferry service to ferry visitors from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah to Langkawi.

He said there were more than 40 ferries operating the routes between Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and Penang to Langkawi.

Besides being a shopping heaven, as Langkawi is a duty-free island, other attractions on the island are the cable car, the Under Water World and its beaches, especially Pantai Cenang.

Bernama 

AL :-

Good news or bad news? Should we control the arrival? Or should we welcome more?

There's a lot to think about. But in other hand langkawian benefited from large turnout.

Langkawi To Carry Out Promotion In Cambodia, Finland, Singapore

LANGKAWI, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) will carry out three simultaneous tourism promotions to Cambodia, Finland and Singapore this week, its tourism manager Megat Shaharul Azman Abas said.

The events will take place at the Asean Tourism Forum in Cambodia on Jan 19-23, Matka Finland on Jan 21-23 and Singapore on Jan 21-23.

"Lada hopes that the promotions would further increase tourist arrivals to the island," he told Bernama.

The promotions would be carried out in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and participated by hotels as well as tour and travel operators, he said.

On the promotion in Finland, he said there had been an increase in the number of tourists from the Scandinavian and Baltic countries due to the availability of charter flights.

He said that Finnish airlines mounted 14 flights a week from last month to March from Helsinki, carrying over 200 passengers each from Finland as well as from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Latvia.

Lada targets 2.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

-- BERNAMA

AL : 

Good to know that continous effort had been done to attract customers from all over the world.

Why not advertise in travel magazine & online travel website as well to attract potential tourist.. Example : Tripadvisor or lonely planet.. 

Langkawi all geared up for 2.5m visitors

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) is targeting 2.5 million local and foreign visitors to the island.

Lada tourism manager Megat Shaharul Azman Abas said recently that the target could be achieved in view of the various national and international events to be held on the duty-free island this year.

He said more than two million tourists had visited Langkawi last year.

Read more: Langkawi all geared up for 2.5m visitors http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/13lang/Article/#ixzz19zHG31Dd

Timbermad :-
Yes we target 2.5million local & foreign visitors to the Island this year. The question is weather we are ready to cater that number of tourist. Is our amenities complete & ready to cater that number of tourist.. There's a lot of room for improvement.

Kedah, Satun To Collaborate In Tourism

SATUN, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Kedah and Satun, a province in southern Thailand, agreed to collaborate in tourism programmes to attract more tourists to this part of the region.

Kedah Tourism, Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs, Indian Community and Estate Workers Committee chairman M. Manikumar said the collaboration was meant for designing, transforming and revolutionising the entire tourism industry towards a new paradigm.

"We hope the existence of a new platform, namely the Kedah-Satun Joint Cooperation Committee, since early this year to organise various tourism programmes could bring in more tourists to Langkawi Island and the main land of Kedah through the Satun-Langkawi gateway."

BERNAMA

AL : Berita baik & menarik utk anak2 langkawi..

Peta Langkawi ~ Courtesy of Google Map

Merancang perjalanan adalah amat penting bila melancong ke Langkawi. Byk peta di website tetapi yg paling berguna nak menarik bagi cek adalah Google Map. Sbb boleh digunakan utk mencari direction dari satu tempat ke tempat lain.

Misalannya kalau nak tahu perjalanan dr segi KM & masa dr Kuah ke Pantai Kok. Cuma perlu letak nama di tempat kosong didalam google Map. Jawapan dr Kuah ke Pantai Kok mengikut goodle adalah 26.6km & masa adalah 33minit.

Jadi bijaklah merancang perjalanan di Langkawi utk elakkan membuang masa. Jadi utk bakal pengunjung Langkawi gunakan aplikasi sesuai utk mencari satu2 tempat di Langkawi

Google Map Langkawi

Plan To Make Langkawi Shine Again As Tourist Draw

LANGKAWI, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The federal government plans to redevelop Langkawi's tourism potential to revive the glory days of the resort island off Kedah. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said measures would be taken under the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) to enable Langkawi regain a prominent place on the tourism map. The government would come up with a list of projects in a few months' time as part of the redevelopment plan, he said.

"Langkawi has a lot of potential but it is not fully utilised. There is much we can do, particularly with the attractive natural surroundings," he said to reporters after opening a seminar on the development of Langkawi on Sunday. Nor Mohamed said Langkawi should rightly be a niche product for the tourism sector."If Thailand can boast of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi, and Indonesia, of Bali, then surely Malaysia can be proud of its own islands, of which Langkawi is the most popular," he said. He said the government had spent a lot in previous five-year plans to develop Langkawi's economy and had undertaken a major transformation of the island.

"Nevertheless, the government is not satisfied yet. We have to spend a little more to enable Langkawi to realise its maximum potential as a tourist draw," he said. Nor Mohamed said the government might have to make available skillful tour agents who could target high-spending tourists, and added that there was a proposal to set up a tourism academy to train such manpower.

"We have to also resolve what seem to be small problems but which have a major impact on tourism. For example, it is said that operators of hire cars have to pay RM6,000 in insurance premiums per car annually," he said. Nor Mohamed said there had been proposals to establish a university in Langkawi as well as hospitals to cater to tourists.

"We will look at these proposals. Medical tourism is important. Tourists who come for medical treatment demand well-equipped hospitals," he said. On a proposal to build a five-kilometre bridge connecting Langkawi to Tuba Island in the Langkawi chain, he said the government would go ahead with the project if the cost-benefit analysis was favourable. There are 99 islands in the Langkawi chain but only two -- Langkawi and Tuba -- are inhabited.-- BERNAMA

AL :-

Its good to know that the government planning to shine back the glory as tourist destination. At one time Langkawi was regards as golden Island by Tun Mahathir. Tun Mahathir already forsee Langkawi as a very potential Island to be developed as par or even better Penang or Phuket in term of tourist destination. Under his initiative we already have such a good tourist attraction to Langkawi.

Looking at the suggestion, i do not agree to make Langkawi as Medical tourism. Why? We already have Penang & KL as Medical areas. Why make Langkawi as one of it? Disposal of Medical waster will be a problem for Langkawi. Not mentioned at the moment Langkawi already have problem regarding the waste management. So do we want to add some more problem?

It is time for the Government to look back on the money that already been spend for the last 5 years for tourism benefit. Check & balance whether the money that been spend really meet the criteria or helping in terms of benefits to Langkawi as tourism spot. For me, i must say LADA not really doing a good job. They have some areas which is OK but as a whole i must say it is under KPI (if there is any)..

But i do agree Langkawi should be given a boost to make it shine again but under surveilance by a higher party so that the objectives are meet.

By the way can somebody check whether the Jetty in Pulau Tuba is it complete yet?

Hole in The Wall Kg. Kilim ~ Cari Makan Langkawi

Kalau berkunjung ke Langkawi adalah menjadi kewajipan utk singgah di makan di Hole in The Wall Kg Kilim. Terdapat sebuah resteron yg diusahakan oleh Pak Rahmat. Yg unik tempat ni sebab kita tak boleh bawak kereta or drive ke tempat tersebut. Tetapi kita perlu menaiki bot ke resteron atas laut ni. Perjalanan menaiki bot mengambil masa dalam 15-20minit. Sepanjang perjalanan bolehlah tgk pemandangan indah paya bakau disamping merasa angin sepoi2 bahasa melalui celahan sungai yg tenang. (Sedapnya ayat).

Makanan yg menarik disini ialah makanan yg 'fresh'. Kalau memilih ikan pilihlah ikan kerapu misalnya tapi jgn masak yg 'fancy' sangat. Cukuplah sekadar ikan bakar. Jgn lupa 'order' jugak udang masak butter. Dia punya sotong goreng tepung pun menarik.

Dalam pada menunggu lauk-pauk sampai, pi la berjalan tengok sangkar ikan di sebelah resteron. Byk jugak ikan menarik menanti pengunjung-pengunjung.

Pada saya, Hole In The Wall merupakan salah satu destinasi 'wajib' bagi yg suka makan. Disampai makanan yg segar lokasi yg menarik menjadikan ia unik dr segala segi. Datangla beramai2.. Satu lagi telefonlah Resteron itu sendiri utk pergi kerana bot resteron akan dtg mengambil org yg nak makan di resteron tersebut 'FOC'.

Telefon nombor Resteron : 04-967 5301
Lokasi : Kg Kilim

Kalau masih ada kesempatan maka naiklah tour boat utk melihat eagle's nest, terokai gua & masuk ke gua kelawar.

p/s: Harga adalah berpatutan nak kata mahai dok jugak nak kata murah dok juga. Pak Rahmat.. kot2 boleh la anaklangkawi makan free kot lain kali datang :) (dah promosi baik punya)

Lada Tingkatkan Promosi Tarik Pelancong Singapura

LANGKAWI, 28 Mei (Bernama) -- Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (Lada) bersama 10 agensi pelancongan dari Langkawi mengadakan promosi di Singapura bagi menarik lebih ramai pelancong dari negara jiran itu ke pulau bebas cukai tersebut.

Ketua Penolong Pengurus Bahagian Pelancongan Lada Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari berkata promosi itu mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan apabila pakej pelancongan ke Langkawi bernilai RM90,000 dapat dijual pada promosi tiga hari itu bermula 14 Mei lepas.

Katanya pihak hotel di Langkawi menawarkan pakej penginapan yang menarik manakala agensi pelancongan pula menawarkan beberapa lawatan ke tempat menarik seperti kereta kabel, Underwater World Langkawi (UWL), Kota Mahsuri, Galeria Perdana dan Taman Burung.

"Kita melihat Singapura sebagai potensi baik sebagai hub penerbangan yang mampu membawa ramai pelancong republik itu dan asing ke pulau bebas cukai ini," katanya ketika dihubungi pada Jumaat.

Beliau berkata sambutan yang diterima pada promosi itu lebih baik berbanding promosi yang diadakan di negara itu sebelum ini.

Mengikut perangkaan unit pelancongan Lada, lebih 40,000 pelancong Singapura dan dari negara lain berkunjung ke Langkawi pada tahun lepas. Pada masa ini empat syarikat penerbangan iaitu Silk Air Singapura, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), AirAsia dan Tiger Always mengadakan penerbangan terus dari Singapura ke Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi :-
Mmg eloklah LADA buat promosi ke Singapura. ASyik ke JB ja tiap2 minggu.. Tukar la sikit kalini..

80 Peratus Kekosongan Jawatan Di Langkawi Dari Sektor Perhotelan

LANGKAWI, 24 Mei (Bernama) -- Kira-kira 80 peratus daripada 1,309 kekosongan jawatan di Langkawi pada ketika ini adalah dalam sektor perhotelan, kata Penolong Pengarah Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Langkawi Arzanil Bahadon.

Beliau berkata kekosongan adalah untuk jawatan pengurusan peringkat bawahan yang tidak diisi sejak awal tahun ini.

"Peluang kerja itu tidak diambil oleh pencari kerja. Sektor perhotelan mungkin terjejas jika kekosongan tersebut tidak diisi segera," katanya kepada Bernama, di sini pada Isnin.

Beliau berkata jabatan itu akan mengadakan karnival mini perkerjaan setiap bulan bermula bulan ini bagi memastikan kekosongan jawatan itu disi.

Majikan yang memerlukan pekerja juga dipelawa menyertai karnival mini itu, katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi : Berita baik utk warga langkawi. Ttp selalunya yg mengisi kekosongan adalah org luaq. Nak kata salah org luaq x juga sbb sbg warga langkawi kadang2 kita tak tangkap peluang yg ada.. Kita selesa dgn buat apa yg ada.. Jadi nasihatlah pada adik beradik kita saudara mara yg xdak keja @ tgh belajaq utk ambik bidang perhotelan terutama sekali tourism management.. (kalo adalah)

Pelancong teruja tepung tawar Aishah

KUAH - Kira-kira 3,000 penduduk tempatan Langkawi mengambil kesempatan meraikan generasi ketujuh Mahsuri, Aishah Wan Nawawi, bersama suaminya Alee Tongyon bersanding di pekarangan Pekan Rabu di Kuah. Kedua mempelai lengkap berbaju Melayu dan kebaya menyerlahkan kejelitaan dan ketampanan kedua pasangan itu. Majlis itu turut dibanjiri pelancong asing dan tempatan serta beberapa tetamu kehormat.

Bagi Christine Jane dari Kanada dia hanya mengetahui mengenai pasangan itu selepas melihat kain rentang yang dipasang di sekitar Pekan Rabu. Dia yang berlayar mengelilingi dunia berasa teruja dapat bertemu dengan ikon sejarah Langkawi yang menjadi bualan. Menurutnya, kecantikan dan budaya Melayu dalam perkahwinan penuh adat itu turut dapat disaksikan bagi melengkapkan koleksi peribadi pengalamannya mengelilingi dunia.

“Ini kali pertama saya melihat perkahwinan di Malaysia, pengantin dihiasi cantik dan penuh sambutan warna-warni. “Kami berasa bangga dapat bertemu dan bersalaman dengan ikon sejarah Langkawi, selama ini saya hanya membaca kisah moyangnya di internet sahaja,” katanya ketika ditemui di Pekan Rabu, Kuah.

Hadir sama, Ahli Parlimen Langkawi, Datuk Paduka Abu Bakar Taib, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Kuah, Datuk Ir Nawawi Ahmad dan Adun Ayer Hangat, Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid. Seorang pemandu pelancong, Mohd Sidik Adul Rahman, 45, berkata, kisah Mahsuri masih kuat tertanam bagi kalangan penduduk Langkawi. Menurutnya, kisah legenda itu sering diingati olehnya termasuk menjadi daya penarik pelancongan.

“Kami sering memaparkan kisah Mahsuri untuk dikongsi bersama pelancong asing ketika menjejak kaki di Langkawi. “Sungguhpun hanya mitos namun terdapat kaitan sejarah sehingga memberi kesan ke atas pembangunan Langkawi kini,” katanya. Dia berharap pasangan itu akan kerap ke Langkawi bagi menghidupkan kembali sejarah silam moyangnya itu sebagai bukti kewujudan Mahsuri suatu masa dahulu.

Sinar Harian

Anaklangkawi :- Elokla.. paling kurang jadi produk pelancongan..

Langkah penjimatan jejas industri hotel Langkawi

Pengusaha hotel dan chalet di Pulau Langkawi merayu pihak kerajaan mengkaji semula had penggunaan hotel dan chalet untuk seminar, kursus dan mesyuarat di Pulau Langkawi. Perkara itu disuarakan pengusaha dan pemilik hotel, peniaga bebas cukai dan pemilik syarikat pengangkutan awam selepas mengumpul 46 tandatangan berhubung masalah itu. Sekiranya perkara itu berlanjutan, sektor perhotelan di pulau bebas cukai ini bakal berdepan dengan risiko kemerosotan perniagaan atau mungkin ditutup. Selain itu, lebih 10,000 pekerja hotel juga akan diberhentikan sekali gus merencatkan sumber ekonomi pulau ini. Jawatankuasa bertindak ditubuhkan bagi membuat rayuan terhadapan pekeliling yang dikeluarkan kerajaan.

Pengerusinya yang juga Pengurus Besar Hotel Langkawi Seaview, Ooi Cheng Ping berkata, sejak surat pekeliling itu dikeluarkan kebanyakan hotel bertaraf tiga bintang ke bawah mengalami kemerosotan pendapatan sehingga 50 peratus berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Cheng Ping berkata, hotel empat bintang ke bawah ini, menawarkan harga patut dan bersesuaian dengan kadar peruntukan kerajaan malah. Menurutnya, kebiasaannya setiap kali seminar atau mesyuarat dilakukan di hotel, mereka bebas menggunakan peralatan tanpa kekangan masa termasuk penyediaan makan dan minuman.

Menurutnya, semua pihak hotel yang merayu bersedia berunding dengan pihak kerajaan bagi menawarkan pakej atau bersama mengkaji semula surat pekeliling yang dikeluarkan. “Dalam surat pekeliling itu zon pakej diperkenalkan dengan pasaran perhotelan di Langkawi yang berada di Kedah hanya terbuka kepada jabatan kerajaan dari Perlis, Pulau Pinang dan Perak sahaja,” katanya ketika sidang media di hotel Langkawi Seaview di Kuah. Pengusaha kedai bebas cukai dan pengangkutan awam turut terjejas Kemelut itu turut dirasai pengusaha kedai bebas cukai terkemuka di Langkawi dan pengusaha kereta sewa dan teksi.

Pengarah Urusan kedai bebas cukai M Chuharmall Sdn Bnd, M Suresh Kumar Ratnani berkata, kuasa membeli (purchasing power) menurun sejak awal tahun ini. M Suresh berkata, hampir 30 peratus penjualannya menurun dalam tiga bulan pertama berbanding tahun lalu. “Tahun lalu, apabila kakitangan kerajaan menghadiri kursus atau mesyuarat dari Isnin hingga Khamis terdapat ramai pembeli, namun pada tahun ini perkara sebaliknya berlaku.

“Kemelut ini menyebabkan kami tidak berupaya mengambil pekerja baru, namun tidak akan membuang pekerja,” katanya. Masalah yang sama turut menjejaskan industri kereta sewa dan teksi di pulau peranginan ini. Yang Dipertua Persatuan Tuan Empunya Pemandu Kereta Sewa Langkawi (PTEPKSL), Alwi Baharudin turut merasai tempias masalah itu. Alwi berkata, kira-kira 30 peratus pendapatan pemandu teksi terjejas berikutan kekurangan pelanggan. Menurutnya, kerajaan disaran melonggarkan syarat pekeliling itu bagi menghidupkan semula industri pelancongan di Langkawi.

“Pihak kerajaan boleh berbincang semula dengan penggiat pelancongan bagi mendapatkan harga yang berpatutan sejajar dengan langkah penjimatan,” katanya. Keluhan pekerja hotel Sinar harian turut mendapatkan keluhan dan kegusaran pekerja hotel yang bakal berhadapan dengan risiko dibuang kerja sekiranya masalah ini berlanjutan. Pengurus Pemasaran, hotel Seaview Langkawi, M Nelson berkata, masalah ini berkemampuan menyebabkan ramai pekerja hotel diberhentikan. Menurutnya, sekiranya pihak hotel terpaksa membuat langkah penjimatan yang maksimum ada kemungkinan pekerja akan diberhentikan. “Kami tidak mahu perkara ini berlaku kerana sektor perhotelan adalah sumber pekerjaan utama di pulau ini,” katanya.

Bagi pembantu Sous Chef di hotel yang sama juga, Mohd Zamzuri Ismail menyifatkan masalah ini turut menjejaskan masa depan pekerja hotel terutamanya pekerja yang mempunyai keluarga besar. Menurutnya, hampir 80 peratus kakitangan hotel di Langkawi adalah anak tempatan pulau ini, jika perkara ini tidak segera diselesaikan makan kadar pengangguran akan meningkat. Hotel lain ambil langkah bijak Namun berbanding pula pendekatan yang dilakukan kumpulan Hotel de Baron yang turut merasai tempias masalah ini.

Kumpulan Hotel D’Baron mempunyai rangkaian hotel terbesar dengan menjalankan perniagaan di bawah premis de’Baron Resort, Hotel Baron,Malibest Resort, Langura Baron Resort dan Hotel Best Star. Pengurus Besar de Baron Resort, Nizam Ahmad berkata, kehadiran kakitangan jabatan kerajaan dan pelancong seimbang buat masa ini. Menurutnya, kesemua resort dan hotelnya mempunyai kelebihan dari segi lokasi dan harga yang ditawarkan.

Nizam berkata, langkah awal yang dilakukan sejak pekeliling itu dikeluarkan pihak pengurusan mula mengambil langkah dengan melakukan promosi bersama melalui Tourisme Malaysia, Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi dan agensi pelancongan. “Selepas kami menyedari risiko yang bakal dihadapi, kami segera lakukan promosi dengan menyertai MATTA Fair dan menyertai semua jenis bentuk promosi pelancongan yang diadakan di seluruh negara.

“Promosi juga dilakukan melalui majalah pelancongan atas talian,” katanya. Menurutnya, dengan senario yang berlaku kini, semua hotel disaran bergabung dengan penggiat industri pelancongan malah tidak mempunyai sikap tamak. “Kami harap saranan ini tidak sehingga menurunkan harga hotel ke tahap minima dan memulakan perang harga yang tidak munasabah sehingga menjejaskan mutu perkhidmatan hotel,” katanya. ~ Sinar Harian

Anaklangkawi :-
Sikap org2 Langkawi yg terlalu mengharapkan kerajaan utk seminar & kursus dilangkawi perlu dihakis oleh semua org Langkawi. Promosi pelancongan juga perlu berterusan supaya tidak keputusan pengunjung..

Satu lagi.. Anak2 langkawi di perantauan perlu memainkan peranan sebagai duta kecil utk Pulau Langkawi. Promosilah pulau kita.. Kalau bukan kita yg promote sapa lagi?

LADA Steps Up Drive To Draw More Tourists To Langkawi

By Zulkafli Ibrahim

LANGKAWI, April 8 (Bernama) -- Over the years Langkawi has been firmly entrenched in the world tourism map as a 'must visit' resort island. However in recent years, the promotion drive to lure tourists here appeared to be losing some of its steam. At the moment there is no major project being implemented on the island. This could be due to the massive 'slash' in the budget for the Langkawi Development Authority or LADA.

In the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP), a total of RM431 million was set aside for LADA but in the 9MP, the authority received only RM173 million for development projects in Langkawi. Since its inception in 1991, the government had pumped RM1.6 billion into LADA and this had been well utilised to provide various social, economic and tourism infrastructures.

During that period, the island which is known for the legend of Mahsuri, had experienced a tremendous facelift that included the expansion of the Langkawi International Airport. Other implemented projects were the Kuah Jetty, network of roads, international sports complex and the LADA Complex itself. Existence of infrastructures have made the resort island a haven for tourists. In 2005, 1.8 million people visited Langkawi and this figure rose to 2.1 million in 2006.

Aggressive promotions held by Tourism Malaysia and other agencies helped to push the tourist arrival to 2.33 million in 2007, 2.3 million (2008) and 2.49 million last year. Other events staged such as the staging of Langkawi International Maritime and Aeropsace (LIMA) Exposition and Langkawi Ironman triathlon meet had also assisted in drawing the tourists.During the last LIMA held in December 2009, Langkawi recorded the arrival of 317,590 domestic tourists as compared against 293,166 in December 2007.

PROMOTIONS LADA

General Manager Azman Umar said the authority, with the collaboration of Tourism Malaysia, is taking measures to intensify tourism promotions for Langkawi.

He said LADA has mapped out several international events for its 'roadshows' abroad and these included the Asean Tourism Forum. LADA representatives had also visited Denmark and Finland last year and they will be in India and Australia next month."We are looking at the new market such as Australia and India as the two countries have many tourists who are interested in visiting Langkawi," he said after studying findings made by the LADA representatives who went to both nations early this year.He also calls on Langkawi residents to maintain cleanliness on the island without depending too much on the authorities to do the job.

INDEBTED TO TUN DR MAHATHIR

Meanwhile the State Legislative Assembly Representative for Kuah, Datuk Nawawi Ahmad said Langkawi residents and tourism operators are indebted to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for turning Langkawi into an international tourist destination. Nawawi said without Dr Mahathir's efforts and determination, Langkawi will not be transformed into Malaysia's leading resort island where from an island which was 'unknown', Langkawi had bloomed into that which features among others, the cable car, Galeria Perdana, Kota Mahsuri, Underwater World, Bird Park and Handicraft Complex.

Nawawi also hopes that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be able to continue Dr Mahathir's efforts in developing Langkawi. Najib had recently allocated RM7 million for the construction of a fishing jetty at Sungai Chenang here.The state assembly representative admitted that development in Langkawi in recent years had lost steam if compared against the time when Dr Mahathir was the prime minister.

FATHER OF DEVELOPMENT

Langkawi resident Ku Mansor Ku Sulong 53, said Tun Dr Mahathir is Langkawi's 'father of development' and the latter's efforts had prompted many of the island's residents to grab the economic opportunities made available.

Among these is the homestay programme and many houses in villages such as Kampung Wang Tok Rendong, Kampung Kuala Melaka, Kilim and Pulau Tuba have signed for the homestay packages. Chairman of the Kedah Chapter for the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Pishol Ishak said Langkawi's tourism products should be diversified in order to maintain the steady stream of visitors to the tax-free island.Langkawi does not really need intensive and rapid development but it still needs to give attention on the infrastructures and environmental conservation to ensure the island remains a top-notch tourist draw.-- BERNAMA
Anaklangkawi :-
I dont know about this article. But for me LADA is not doing enough to promote Langkawi. Looking at the allocation been given to LADA & tourist arrival is still not satisfactory. Jika dilihat peruntukan yg diberikan utk status Geo-Park pun dah tau yg LADA tidak menggunakan sumber kewangan dgn efficietn. (Soalan Parlimen & jawapan sbg bukti)

Pakej Susuri Sungai Kilim Di Langkawi

LANGKAWI, 4 Feb (Bernama) -- Komuniti Pengurusan Sumber Perikanan Sungai Kilim di Ayer Hangat di sini mensasarkan untuk menarik kira-kira 150,000 pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara untuk menyusuri sungai itu bagi melihat keindahan alam sekitarnya.Pengerusi komuniti tersebut, Omar Ariffin berkata pihaknya menyediakan 70 bot untuk membawa pelancong dengan bayaran antara RM200 dan RM400 bagi satu bot bagi perjalanan antara satu hingga empat jam.

"Di bawah pakej Mangrove Tour ini, para pengunjung boleh melihat pelbagai keunikan seperti hutan bakau, spesis burung, bukit batu kapur yang berusia antara 380 hingga 400 juta tahun, kawasan geopark, ternakan ikan dalam sangkar serta menikmati makanan segar di restoran terapung," katanya. Omar berkata sebanyak 101,790 pelancong seperti dari England, Jerman, Jepun, India, Arab, Finland, Russia, Denmark, Korea dan pelancong tempatan telah mengunjungi Sungai Kilim tahun lepas dengan lebih 15,000 trip perkhidmatan bot dilakukan.Selain mengadakan perkhidmatan bot, komuniti itu juga menjalankan projek menternak ikan dalam sangkar dengan ikan kerapu harimau mendapat pasaran mengalakkan, katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Pendapatan Dari Atap Daun Kertam

LANGKAWI, 26 Jan (Bernama) -- Walaupun usia telah menjangkau 69 tahun, Osman Saad dari Kampung Ewa, Ayer Hangat di sini masih sanggup lagi meredah Bukit Sawak untuk mencari daun kertam bagi dijadikan atap rumah atau chalet yang banyak terdapat di pulau ini."Atap dari daun kertam masih mendapat permintaan pelanggan. Pelanggan gemar atap jenis ini kerana ia menjadikan suasana dalam rumah lebih nyaman dan sejuk berbanding atap nipah, daun kelapa apatah lagi atap zink," katanya.Pokok kertam adalah seakan-akan pokok rotan.Osman berkata pelanggannya turut terdiri daripada pengusaha chalet dan padang golf yang mahu chalet dan tempat mereka mempunyai atap daun kertam.

"Setiap satu kaki atap kertam saya kenakan harga RM10 dan setiap hari saya boleh menyiapkan kira-kira 10 kaki (lebih 3 meter) atap kertam," katanya.Beliau berkata sebelum dijadikan atap, daun kertam akan dijemur dan dibersih terlebih dahulu sebelum diikat mengunakan tali rotan mengikut saiz yang ditempah."Namun kerja-kerja buat atap ini bukan ada setiap hari sebab bergantung tempahan dari pelanggan," katanya yang turut dibantu seorang rakannya.

-- BERNAMA

Anaklangkawi :- Sapa2 nak buat bisnes boleh kembangkan produk masing2 dgn menjadi agen kepada pakcik ni.. Bernama patutla bagi nombor telefom pakcik Osman ni senang sikit nak hubungi.

LADA Sertai Misi Jualan Pelancongan Ke Finland Dan Denmark

LANGKAWI, 20 Jan (Bernama) -- Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) memberi tumpuan promosi ke Finland dan Denmark kerana dua negara berkenaan mempunyai pasaran baik menarik lebih ramai pelancongnya ke pulau bebas cukai ini. Pengurus Pelancongan LADA, Megat Shahrul Azman Abas berkata LADA mengambil peluang mengadakan promosi itu setelah melihat ramai pelancong Finland dan Denmark ke Langkawi menerusi penerbangan sewa khas sejak Disember tahun lepas.Katanya sebanyak tujuh penerbangan sewa khas diadakan dua minggu sekali oleh syarikat penerbangan Fin Air yang mengadakan penerbangan terus dari Finland ke lapangan terbang antarabangsa Langkawi dan setiap penerbangan membawa lebih 200 pelancong.Mengikut rekod Unit Pelancongan LADA, lebih 11,000 pelancong Finland dan Denmark berkunjung ke Langkawi sepanjang tahun lepas.

Megat Shahrul Azman yakin menerusi misi kedua-dua negara atas jemputan Tourism Malaysia selama sepuluh hari mulai esok akan meningkatkan kehadiran pelancong negar-negara itu ke pulau peranginan Langkawi. Insentif Mesyuarat, Konvensyen dan Pameran Terbaik (MICE), tempat perkahwinan, bulan madu dan beristirehat yang terdapat di Langkawi adalah antara produk yang akan dipromosikan pada misi itu.Katanya, Langkawi mempunyai kemudahan mencukupi seperti dewan yang mampu menampung lebih 2,500 orang pada satu masa, lebih 7,500 bilik hotel mampu menerima kunjungan pelancong dalam dan luar negeri.

Anaklangkawi :-
Kita tgk nanti ada tak peningkatan pelancong dr Finland & denmark.

p/s: jgn jadi family trip udah le..

Pemandu pelancong perlu kemahiran

LANGKAWI 16 Jan. - Pemandu pelancong di Geopark Langkawi perlu mempunyai kemahiran dan kepakaran tentang selok-belok daerah kelahiran Mahsuri itu dalam usaha menarik lebih ramai pelancong sama ada tempatan atau luar negara.

Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Dr. Ng Yen Yen berkata, ia juga penting untuk terus mengekalkan kegemilangan pulau legenda itu sebagai destinasi popular di negara ini.

"Pelancong asing biasanya mempunyai waktu yang singkat, jadi setiap pemandu pelancong mesti mahir dengan lokasi-lokasi menarik di Langkawi untuk beri penjelasan kepada mereka," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan dialog dengan penggiat industri pelancongan di sini hari ini.

Oleh itu, katanya lagi, satu latihan untuk pemandu-pemandu pelancong Geopark Langkawi juga perlu diadakan khususnya untuk meningkatkan kemahiran berbahasa mereka.
"Selain itu, pihak kementerian juga bercadang untuk mengadakan kerjasama dengan pihak sekolah bagi memperkenalkan kerjaya ini kepada para pelajar. Ia bertujuan meramaikan bilangan pemandu pelancong kelahiran Langkawi," katanya.

Selain itu, katanya, Kementerian Pelancongan dengan kerjasama Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) akan mewujudkan artist colony di Oriental Village di sini bagi memudahkan pelancong mengabadikan kenangan sewaktu berkunjung ke situ.
Kawasan yang berhampiran dengan kereta kabel Langkawi itu dilihat sangat sesuai diwujudkan cadangan itu kerana selain menjadi tumpuan pelancong, ia juga mempunyai pemandangan yang menarik.

"Semua ini sedang dalam kajian dan akan dilaksanakan dalam tempoh terdekat ini kerana di Langkawi terdapat kira-kira 50 orang pelukis, jadi eloklah jika ditempatkan mereka di satu tempat yang jadi tumpuan pelancong," katanya.

- Utusan