THE Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) will promote bird tourism in an effort to attract more tourists to the island, particularly wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe, said Lada chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli.
He said more than 230 bird species had been recorded on the legendary island, making it a potential hotspot for birdwatchers.
“In Langkawi, there are three species of hornbill and, interestingly, we have recorded 104 great hornbills (Buceros bicornis) on this island at one time.
“Bird tourism has the potential to be developed on this island and would be of great benefit for the people of Langkawi,” he said after opening the Fifth Asian Bird Fair at the Oriental Village here yesterday.
He said by integrating birdwatching as a tourist attraction, local residents stood to gain as this would further contribute to the local economy.
Khalid said Lada had also organised several workshops to educate the local community on the opportunities available from bird tourism.
Additionally, he said, Lada would also develop a butterfly farm on the island, considering there were more than 550 species of butterflies on Langkawi.
He said this would add value to the island’s eco-tourism as it was blessed with a diversity of flora and fauna.
Commenting on the two-day Asian Bird Fair, which began yesterday, he said this was the first time Malaysia played host since the event was first organised in the Philippines in 2010.
The sixth edition of the annual event will take place in Singapore next year. Bernama