Langkawi Development Authority CEO, Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib is upbeat on the tourism recovery with the recent Budget 2023 announcement which has paid attention to the sector with recovery-themed incentives.
The Government has allocated RM1 billion for the Tourism Infrastructure Financing Fund to strengthen the momentum of the recovery of the tourism sector including funding for hotel rehabilitation, urban renewal, and heritage conservation, Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is bound for great things and will be that much closer to cementing its position as a frontrunner in the tourism industry on a global stage.
Separately, the government will also be allocating RM200 million for promotion and marketing to strengthen the recovery of the tourism sector. Nasaruddin believes that with this allocation, the government’s target of having 15 million tourist arrivals with an income value of 47.6 billion ringgit will be attainable. As travel restrictions are being lifted gradually, he believes that Langkawi would be able to play an active and important role in attracting more international tourists to the island.
The government’s announcement of 100% tax exemption on statutory income for tour operators who bring at least 200 foreign tourists a year or handle at least 400 local tourists will be highly beneficial for the local community whose major source of income comes from tourism. This is sure to help Langkawi’s populace which is made up of 70% from the tourism sector bounce back from the recent pandemic.
Additionally, in order to encourage Malaysians to travel within the country, the government has also allocated RM25 million to provide incentives to the people in the form of discounts, vouchers, and rebates for accommodation, tour packages, handicrafts, and works of art up to RM100.
Finally, the government had also announced its support to Pulau Tuba in Langkawi, Kedah as the first low-carbon island in Malaysia and will be providing a sales rebate of up to RM4,000 to motorcycle rental operators who replace their existing motorcycles with electric motorcycles. We feel that this is a step in the right direction as it raises the image of the island as a destination that places great emphasis on sustainability and preserving the environment”.
