KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 – Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has been honored with the prestigious Global Maritime and Aerospace Awards 2023 in the category of Government Services Delivery. The esteemed award was presented to Tuan Wan Kamarul Faisal bin Wan Kamardin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of LADA, at the grand ceremony held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) in Langkawi. Organized by the renowned International Business Review, the inaugural Global Maritime and Aerospace Awards took place on 26 May 2023.
In conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 2023). LIMA, now in its 16th edition, is a premier event that celebrates excellence in the maritime and aerospace sectors, held biennially in Langkawi since 1991. Sharing the stage with world-acclaimed recipients, such as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was conferred the Lifetime Award, LADA’s recognition underscores its unwavering commitment to excellence in promoting Langkawi Island as a globally recognized tourism destination.
LADA has successfully positioned Langkawi as a preferred destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), which played a pivotal role in securing the award. Langkawi, known for its legendary beauty and natural wonders, has attracted visitors from around the world, not only for tourism but also for international conventions and exhibitions. With its combination of world-class facilities, professional expertise, strategic location, easy accessibility, and excellent security, Langkawi has become a premier MICE destination in Asia.
In fact, Langkawi has been chosen as the host for the prestigious 2024 edition of Routes Asia. Routes Asia, an annual event held in different locations, brings together airlines, airports, and tourism authorities to drive air service development in the Asia Pacific region. The upcoming event in Langkawi is expected to host over 3,000 meetings, playing a vital role in shaping future air connectivity in the region. As Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark, Langkawi boasts stunning beauty and pristine natural landscapes, making it a prime candidate to host the UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference.
This recognition further solidifies Langkawi’s position as one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, with 2.58 million visitors in 2022 alone. LADA expects an estimated 3.2 million tourists to visit the island in 2023, generating approximately RM5.78 billion in receipts and contributing significantly to the island’s revenue. LADA remains dedicated to the sustainable development of Langkawi and promoting tourism practices that benefit the local community while preserving the island’s natural beauty.
