Image: TrawellGuide.com

Langkawi is three years ahead of achieving long-term growth, with tourism leaders expecting to surpass 2015 targets this year.

Last year Langkawai Tourism unveiled its blueprint, targeting three million tourists by 2015, now less than a year on and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak says the region is at door-steps of reaching its goals, New Straits Times reported.

According to the leader, the five-year blueprint has had significant impact on tourism, with Langkawi International Airport experiencing double-digit growth of up to 11.9 percent on passenger movement, the highest increase in over a decade.

Room occupancy also experienced an eight percent growth over the year, compared to the three and four percent previously.

"I am happy that the private sector has proposed projects worth RM7.8 billion here,” he said.

"This transformation created by the blueprint is a catalyst for the social and economic development of Langkawi."

As part of the blueprint, the island rebranded its tourism image, with the region now promoting, “Naturally Langkawi”.