Langkawi showcases new destination story at ITB Berlin
- BT
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
BERLIN, GERMANY, 4 March 2026 — Langkawi is telling its story in a new way. At ITB Berlin 2026, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) launched at the Malaysia Pavilion this morning a refreshed destination positioning under the Naturally Langkawi brand. The goal is to help international audiences better understand what makes this Malaysian archipelago unlike anywhere else.
An archipelago of 99 islands off Malaysia’s northwest coast, Langkawi has long been known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. This refreshed positioning sharpens how those strengths are communicated to travellers around the world.
In 2025, Langkawi welcomed 3.2 million visitors and brought in RM8.3 billion in tourism revenue. That same year, 370,395 of those visitors came from the United Kingdom and Europe, showing just how strong the island’s pull is among long-haul travellers.
Europe remains one of Langkawi’s most important source markets, with growing interest from travellers who want slower, longer trips full of genuine experiences. The island was also ranked No. 2 Top Island in Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
One of Langkawi’s biggest strengths is its range. Whether you’re after a luxury wellness retreat, a remote working escape, or an adventure in the wild, the island can deliver without losing its natural soul.
Visitors can trek through lowland rainforest or paddle quietly through mangrove channels by kayak. They can take in sweeping views from the Langkawi SkyCab and Sky Bridge, or simply lose themselves along the coast. Dolphins are regularly spotted in the surrounding waters, and in recent years there have been increased turtle nestings and even sightings of Bryde’s whales.
On land, more than 200 bird species call Langkawi home, including the rare Great Hornbill. And beneath it all lies some of Southeast Asia’s oldest rock formations dating back 550 million years. UNESCO recognised Langkawi as the region’s first Global Geopark in 2007, and ongoing research continues to uncover new species.
Langkawi’s approach to tourism is guided by conservation and low-impact development. The UNESCO Global Geopark framework, which Langkawi has successfully revalidated four times since 2007, requires that tourism growth respects the environment, benefits local communities, and is managed responsibly. It is an accountability structure, not just a title.
At ITB Berlin, LADA meets with international media, travel trade partners and industry players to explore collaborations that support long-term, responsible growth for the destination.
Meanwhile, adding to the occasion, in collaboration with Naturally Langkawi (and in conjunction with BorneoTalk’s 20th anniversary) the Naturally Langkawi Special Edition Booklet was also launched at the Malaysia Pavilion.
The ceremony was attended by Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, Tuan Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim, Manager of the Tourism Division at LADA, Dr. Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, and Chief Commercial Officer of BorneoTalk, Ashley Pan.
Founded in Kuching in July 2006, BorneoTalk has grown from a regional magazine into one of Malaysia’s most recognisable travel and lifestyle media brands. Its reach now extends across Asia through AsiaTalk.
The booklet is a well-rounded read that covers four key areas of the Langkawi experience. It also takes a look at where Langkawi sits in the bigger picture of global tourism, and more.
Come discover Naturally Langkawi at the Malaysia Pavilion, Hall 26 at Messe Berlin.
