Malaysia’s recent recognition by Travel + Leisure as Asia’s safest travel destination is poised to significantly bolster the country’s domestic tourism, according to Kedah’s Tourism and Culture Exco, Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin. The accolade, which also highlights Malaysia as the top choice for peace and quiet, was based on the Holiday Relaxation Report by wellness retreat platform Book Retreats.
A Significant Boost for Kedah’s Tourism
Salleh expressed pride in the nation’s achievement, describing it as a “remarkable accomplishment” that would positively influence tourism both at the national and state levels. He emphasized that the recognition would help drive interest in Kedah, particularly in support of the state’s upcoming Visit Kedah 2025 (VK2025) campaign.
“This recognition is a source of pride for all Malaysians, and it will have a lasting impact on the tourism sector, especially in Kedah,” Salleh said at the launch of the Gotong-Royong Perdana programme in Kuala Kedah, a state-level initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement and tourism infrastructure.
Kedah’s Tourism Boosted with Additional Funding
As part of preparations for VK2025, Salleh revealed that Kedah had received an additional RM1 million from the federal government to promote tourism in the state. The Tourism Ministry had already approved RM3 million in the recent Kedah Budget 2025 to support tourism events and initiatives, and Salleh expressed gratitude for the ongoing support.
“We are committed to using these funds wisely to ensure the success of our tourism plans,” he stated.
Langkawi and Beyond: Expanding Kedah’s Tourism Appeal
Langkawi continues to be a premier tourism hub within Kedah, renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and international airport. However, Salleh emphasized that the state is now focusing on enhancing the mainland Kedah tourism experience, aiming to diversify and revitalize the region’s appeal to visitors.
“While Langkawi remains a key destination, we are working on improving tourism products across mainland Kedah to create a fresh start and attract more visitors,” said Salleh, noting that the state government is dedicated to ensuring Kedah’s tourism industry flourishes in the coming year.
With Malaysia’s new recognition for safety and tranquility, coupled with Kedah’s focused tourism development, the region is poised to become an even more prominent destination for travelers seeking relaxation, cultural enrichment, and natural beauty.
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