ALOR STAR: The Kedah state government has lauded the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) proposal to promote Langkawi as a Muslim-friendly destination.
State Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneur Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the move aligns well with the plan to diversify promotions for the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign.
"We see a significant potential to attract travellers from the Middle East following the commencement of Flydubai's direct flight to Langkawi in February this year.
"Therefore, we fully support Motac's proposal to promote Langkawi as a Muslim-friendly destination," he said when contacted today.
Salleh mentioned that enhancing the promotional campaign for Langkawi and Kedah to the Middle Eastern region aligns with the state government's plan to diversify traveller portfolios globally in preparation for Visit Kedah Year 2025.
"At the same time, we are continuing our promotional campaigns in neighbouring countries, Asian nations including China and Japan, as well as Europe and other regions.
"As a renowned tourist destination, we warmly welcome travellers from all over the world," he said.
Salleh was responding to Motac's Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan's statement that the ministry is proposing to position Langkawi as a Muslim-friendly destination.
Yesterday, Khairul Firdaus told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry was considering this move as studies have shown that Langkawi is facing stiff competition from other tourism islands in neighbouring countries.
Commenting further, Salleh said the ministry's plan also aligns with Malaysia being named the 'Best Muslim-Friendly Destination' by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Malaysia was also recognised as the 'Best Muslim-Women-Friendly Destination' by CrescentRating and Mastercard during the Halal in Travel Awards held in Singapore on June 1.
In February, Flydubai became the first airline to operate direct daily flights from Dubai to Malaysia's popular islands, Langkawi and Penang.
The daily flights operate from Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport to Penang International Airport and Langkawi International Airport.