Langkawi's Tourism Growth Raises Questions on Long-Term Viability
Langkawi, a popular tourist destination in Malaysia, has seen a significant recovery in visitor numbers post-COVID-19, with 2.58 million visitors in 2022, 2.81 million in 2023, and 2.90 million in 2024. The Langkawi International Airport also reported a 14.5% increase in passenger traffic in 2025. Despite these positive figures, concerns have been raised about the island's ability to maintain its image as an attractive destination for premium investors and international events. Issues such as policy predictability, market identity, and infrastructure challenges are highlighted as potential threats to Langkawi's long-term tourism success.