KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 outlook for Langkawi's hospitality industry looks highly promising, with strong indicators of robust tourism sector growth.

The island is poised for major development under the Greater Kedah 2050 roadmap, emphasising eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and economic expansion.

Langkawi is targeting 3.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025 — a goal deemed "safely achievable" by industry observers — aligning with Visit Kedah Year 2025 and preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The island attracted 2.9 million visitors last year, generating RM7.03 billion in tourism receipts, up from 2.81 million visitors and RM6.43 billion in 2023.

Amid this growing demand, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, part of the Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts portfolio, remains optimistic about its business expansion despite rising competition in Langkawi.

General manager Neoh Kean Boon reported steady growth in tourist arrivals compared to 2019 figures.

"We're seeing growth from both well-established markets that have visited Langkawi for decades and new markets just beginning to explore the island's charm," Neoh told NST Property via email.

In response to rising demand, the five-star resort has launched an extensive renovation of its meeting and banquet facilities, with completion expected this quarter.

"The resort will unveil a new grand ballroom annex and fully upgraded pre-function and meeting rooms, allowing us to host events for up to 3,000 guests across our various spaces," Neoh said.

Langkawi Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said last month that the increase in visitor spending underscores the island's growing reputation as a premium travel destination.

She highlighted two key milestones achieved in 2024: the highest-ever international tourism receipts at RM5.1 billion and a record-breaking 1.7 million international arrivals. These figures surpassed the previous records set in 2018, when the island recorded RM4.638 billion in international receipts and 1.54 million international arrivals.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin reported a significant rise in hotel occupancy rates in December 2024, with data from the Malaysian Association of Hotels showing an average occupancy of 78 per cent.

Ferry operators also noted a surge in tourist arrivals during the school holiday season, with over 100,000 visitors travelling to Langkawi by ferry since December 20.

Langkawi International Airport general manager Che Sulaiman Che Pa had confirmed the increase in air travel arrivals since December 1, with the airport handling 3,900 to 4,900 passengers daily across 27 to 31 flights — a jump from the previous 2,800 to 4,000 passengers and 21 to 29 flights.