LIMA Exhibition started off as a trade fair but it’s now a tourist attraction with non-stop action

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LANGKAWI, normally known for its beautiful beaches and duty-free status, has now taken on a carnival atmosphere in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2011.

The five-day, bi-annual event has attracted people from all over the globe including a significant number of local tourists.

Big wigs: Ng (in yellow) and Ahmad Zahid (third right) chatting with delegates during the opening of LIMA 2011 Tourism Carnival on Monday night

In two tips of the island, hubs of activity have emerged filling the days with non-stop action.

On the west side of the island, the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) in Padang Matsirat is swarmed with VIP guests, trade exhibitors, government officials and pressmen from morning till night.

Mammoth craft: A C-17A Globemaster III showing its form at LIMA

Housing magnificent aircraft (64 will make an appearance throughout the event), the area is also home to exhibitor booths of every shape and colour.

The MIEC entrance is packed every morning before noon as visitors clamour for the best view to watch the daily aerial displays.

All eyes: Fighter jets line up in formation while crew members watch the aerial display during LIMA 2011 in Langkawi

The Awana Porto Malai hotel is also a daily hangout for boating and photography enthusiasts who came to witness the daily maritime demonstrations.

Starting in the late afternoon yesterday, the Royal Malaysian Navy teamed up with their counterparts from the police force and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to put on a spectacular 45 minute sea demonstration.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who witnessed the demonstration, said a special synergy was growing between the defence and tourism sectors.

Awesome moves: The Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Royal Malaysian Police join forces to put on a 45 minute display of their capabilities

“LIMA has grown from just a defense event to a tourism-related event.

“There are 14 warships here this year, carrying 3,200 crew members from all over the world.

Closer look: Kdr Anuar Mohamad, the Royal Malaysian Navy LIMA'11 Maritime Coordination Centre director briefing Dr Mahathir on the various navy ships anchored off Awana Porto Malai

“We have found that each of these crew members will spend an average of USD500 (RM1,600) during their stay here,” she said, adding that many past LIMA participants were also known to return to Malaysia for holidays.

She said many local tourists were also becoming very interested in LIMA, along with visitors from neighbouring Thailand.

“LIMA gives the island a carnival spirit. It’s not just about airplanes, jets, missiles and navy boats. It’s a celebration for every category of Langkawians.”

LIMA fans lining up to have a look into the cockpit of a Eurofighter Typhoon replica on display

On the LIMA 2011 Tourism Carnival located at the Tourism Malaysia and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) car park in Kuah town, Dr Ng said it had received a very good response since its soft launching on Monday night.

She added that organisers were confident that the fair would surpass its initial sales target of RM1.6mil.

“I’ve heard that all the food finishes by 8pm! We have asked the stall operators to cook more, especially during the coming weekend when we expect the number of visitors to grow,” she said.

The Tourism Carnival, now in its second installment, was launched by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad and showcases over 100 different types of local fare from every state.

Cultural performances, trishaw rides and handicraft are also among things offered at the carnival that runs from 10am to midnight every day until Saturday when LIMA 2011.