Langkawi Gazette

LIMA '09 Will Team Up With The Homestay Programme & Island Festival

Shirley, 3 June 2009, Sources: Bernama, The New Straits Times and websites mentioned below

Why ?

This year's Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA '09) Exhibition will be held in Langkawi from Dec 1 to 5. This yearly exhibition will work together with The Homestay Programme & Island Festival. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said that the aim was to attract local tourists to experience village life via the programme, and help villagers to earn some money at the same time.

The Homestay Programme is a programme that allows the tourists to experience life in a traditional Malay village, where guests will stay with their host families. Besides the popular homestays in Kampung Pulau Tuba, Kampung Sungai Itau and Kampung Bukit Tangga, some of the other residents of Langkawi agreed to participate in this programme after the discussion with the ministry.

"Most local tourists don't get the chance to see the exhibition due to limitations and high costs of accommodation, so with this programme they can not only enjoy the exhibition, but learn our local culture." said the Tourism Minister.

She also said that they will work with the Tourism Action Councils to present the culture of each state at the exhibition in a festival known as the Island Festival.

Moreover, daily night markets will be held at several locations in Langkawi. Shuttle bus services will be provided for a minimum charge of RM1 to solve transportation problem.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that there will be a first-time display of a B-52 bomber from the United States Air Force (USAF), which will be among the major attractions for visitors to the LIMA '09 Exhibition. He claimed that this was the first time Boeing aircraft being brought by the USAF to LIMA in Langkawi.

Ahmid Zahid said that it would also be the first time that an aerobatic team from Indian, Sarang and Surya Kiran, who would be the pilots of a helicopter and a light aircraft, would take part in LIMA '09.

"We are proud to showcase out latest acquisition, the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman (submarine), and the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CM jet trainer. A total of 94 aircraft and 80 ships are expected at LIMA '09."

Related Articles and Websites:
Homestay, Island Festival To Be Part of Attraction For LIMA '09
B-53 Bombers To Attract Visitors To LIMA 2009
Langkawi Homestay: Go Local!

Website of LIMA 2009: http://www.lima.com.my/

Images credited to:
Langkawi Trekker
USAF

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