Langkawi Targets Three Million Tourists with Cruises, Charter Flights, and New Attractions
Langkawi is set for a record-breaking year as it anticipates the arrival of three million tourists, an increase from the 2.8 million visitors in 2023. With a boost in cruise visits and new chartered flights from Poland, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid is confident that the island will achieve its year-end goal.
“We believe we can reach the target with eight additional events scheduled for November and December, along with increased chartered flights from Warsaw and 14 luxury cruises from various international destinations,” Haslina said.
New Direct Flight from Poland and Growing European Interest
Langkawi’s latest milestone is the weekly chartered flight from Warsaw, Poland, which runs every Sunday until March 2025. This new route reflects a surge in interest from Polish tourists, with 24,362 visitors from Poland recorded as of September, surpassing the 21,472 Polish tourists who visited in 2023.
Haslina sees this new flight as a chance to strengthen cultural ties and bring more European tourists to Malaysia. “This initiative will boost Langkawi’s local economy and create a platform for international exchange,” she added.
Strong 2024 Tourism Growth and Event Highlights
Langkawi’s year-to-date visitor count hit 2.105 million in September, a 2.72% increase from last year. October alone saw an estimated 250,000 visitors, as the island hosted several high-profile events:
- Ironman Malaysia (October 12)
- APEC 64th Tourism Working Group Meeting (TWG64) (October 15-17)
- Langkawi Writers’ Festival (October 18)
- LADA Fun Run (October 19)
These events have solidified Langkawi’s reputation as both a cultural and sports tourism hub.
New Attractions: Eagle’s Nest Skywalk and Oyster Farm Langkawi
Langkawi has introduced several new attractions to captivate visitors:
- Eagle’s Nest Skywalk
A stunning 65-meter cantilever glass platform extending 38 meters beyond the cliff edge, this new skywalk offers breathtaking views from 650 meters above sea level. Resembling an eagle surveying its nest, the platform at the Middle Station can hold 300 visitors at once, offering a unique vantage point over Langkawi’s lush landscapes. - Oyster Farm Langkawi
Located at the Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail, this community-based tourism (CBT) initiative lets visitors enjoy freshly harvested oysters paired with local sambal. Operated by the Kampung Kubang Badak community, the farm offers an authentic taste of Langkawi’s coastal culture and culinary traditions.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of new attractions, strategic international partnerships, and a packed events calendar, Langkawi is primed to close 2024 with a tourism boom. Through ongoing initiatives like the direct flight from Poland and collaborative community projects, the island continues to strengthen its position as a leading Southeast Asian destination for both leisure and cultural tourism.
