LANGKAWI: The number of Indian tourists visiting Langkawi is expected to increase by 10 per cent this year following the implementation of the 30-day visa exemption policy for visitors from India.
Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said the island received 124,203 tourist arrivals from India during the first six months of this year, compared to 132,000 throughout last year.
Haslina projected that the number of Indian tourist arrivals in Langkawi will grow further next year with the introduction of direct flights between Bengaluru and Langkawi, which begin today.
"This positive momentum has been supported by the 30-day visa exemption under the Visa Liberalisation Plan, effective from December 1 last year," she told reporters.
Earlier, Haslina opened a ceremony to welcome 186 passengers on IndiGo's inaugural direct flight from Bengaluru to Langkawi at the Langkawi International Airport here.
Haslina added that the Bengaluru-Langkawi direct flight operates seven times a week, reflecting IndiGo's commitment to expanding its network across Southeast Asia.
"The opening of this route will also bring economic benefits to the local community, especially small business owners, hotels, homestays, and other tourism-related products on the island.
"IndiGo is the third airline to operate direct flights to Langkawi, following FlyDubai from the United Arab Emirates, which commenced its service in October," she added.