More world-class facilities for Langkawi under second tourism blueprint: Najib

He said more international conventions and sports events would be organised to attract more upmarket tourists to Langkawi.

"When I launched the (first) blueprint five years ago, I envisioned that we should bring Langkawi to the next level.

"Today, we see the plan is working," he said when speaking at the official opening of the St Regis Langkawi hotel here Sunday.

The Yang Dipertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah attended the official opening of the six-star hotel.

Najib said a plan was underway to create a cosmetic centre in Langkawi and this plan should be pursued in a creative manner.

He said the first Langkawi Tourism Blueprint which he launched in 2011 had seen the Langkawi International Convention Centre and the six-star St Regis Langkawi as among the world-class infrastructures that were completed.

According to the prime minister, the establishment of high class hotel brands in Langkawi augured well to facilitate the creation of high-paying jobs, especially for the locals.

"I am so glad that St Regis has employed 80 percent local people from Langkawi and (other parts of) Kedah," he said.

He said the success of the next tourism plan needed strong collaboration between the federal and state government, as well as the private sector.