Malaysia requires mass and high-end tourism, says Najib

The new AirAsia route from Guangzhou, China to Langkawi is expected to spur growth of the country's tourism sector, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the government welcomes AirAsia’s move in introducing the international route to the island.

“I view Langkawi as a gem that is priceless to the nation. The island is an important destination for the country. With its natural beauty, nothing can be done without accessibility.

“The introduction of this direct flight, it is a crucial factor to improve Langkawi’s tourism sector,” said Najib.

He also added that the flight will turn Langkawi into an international tourism destination

“From the 2.3 million passengers that passed through the airport in 2015, only 176,000 were international passengers from China and Singapore, while a million other international passengers reached Langkawi via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.”

“We envision both; mass tourism and high-end tourism to further develop the economy and the government is ready to work towards that as Langkawi has a huge potential,” he said, at a press conference during a welcoming ceremony for the inaugural AirAsia flight from Guangzhou to Langkawi at the Lang Merah Complex in Langkawi International Airport, here today.

READ: Mukhriz welcomes PM Najib in Langkawi

Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, AirAsia Berhad Group chief executive office Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and AirAsia group chief executives.

Meanwhile, Fernandes said AirAsia will be introducing several new routes to Langkawi in five years. The routes include Jakarta, Bangkok, Shenzen, Shanghai and Hong Kong.