Lada in talks with Sabah, Sarawak tourism to lure more European tourists

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) has discussed with the tourism boards of Sabah and Sarawak to create comprehensive packages to lure more tourists, especially from Europe, to the island and two states.
Lada Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Azizan Noordin said the three parties had principally agreed to form a firmer collaboration to complement each other's tourism strengths via joint promotions and packages.
"Sarawak has the Mulu and Niah Caves, among others, which are unique products, and Langkawi, with its island tourism concept. These (products) can be integrated to attract tourists," he said when met after attending the Langkawi Tourists Guides Association Fellowship Night here.
He said most tourists who went to Sabah and Sarawak were interested to experience the eco-tourism products there.
"This is where Langkawi can come in to offer the best island eco-tourism experience for these tourists," he said.
In welcoming AirAsia's move in introducing a direct flight between Kuching and Langkawi since Aug this year, Azizan said he hoped the airline, or other airlines, would commence a direct flight between the island and Kota Kinabalu.
"Should this be materialised, it will complete the tourism triangular link between the three destinations," he said.
According to Azizan, airlines that had direct flights to and from Langkawi reported high load factor.
He said there were direct flights to Langkawi from Ghuangzhou, Shenzen and Chengdu in China, as well as Singapore, and suggested airlines to consider starting direct flights from Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand, Vietnam and India to Langkawi.
"These direct flights would contribute a lot in bringing more tourists to the island and I hope airlines would seriously consider especially when Langkawi will host the 2018 Pata (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Travel Mart next year," he added. — Bernama