LANGKAWI: The selection of Langkawi as a venue for this year's ASEAN Meeting presents a significant opportunity to boost the island's profile as a leading tourist destination.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid emphasized LADA's commitment to promoting Langkawi as a preferred choice for international tourists, particularly the ASEAN delegates attending the meeting. She outlined LADA's efforts in coordinating the logistics and ensuring a seamless experience for the delegates from their arrival to departure.

Key events scheduled during the ASEAN Meeting include the Financial Track Meeting on January 14 and 15, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat on January 18 and 19, and the Special Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Energy from January 21 to 23. These events are expected to draw significant attention to Langkawi, providing an ideal platform to showcase the island's attractions.

In preparation for the influx of international visitors, LADA has allocated RM2 million to the Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council for landscape enhancement projects. These upgrades aim to enhance the island's appeal and ensure that it remains a top choice for tourists by maintaining its natural beauty and infrastructure.

Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid underscored the importance of Langkawi not only for the ASEAN Meeting but also as a year-round tourist destination. The efforts to beautify and prepare the island reflect a broader strategy to ensure that Langkawi stands out as a premier destination for global visitors, offering a unique and memorable experience.