Kedah is aiming for an influx of about 5 million tourists to visit the state in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

Tourism Exco Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris said he was optimistic that the target would be achieved through promotion and preparation.

He said some of the billboards displaying interesting places in the state would be placed at several locations such as airports and bus stations to promote the uniqueness of Kedah.

"We target the presence of 4 million visitors in Langkawi compared to 3.5 million last year while the mainland of Kedah is targeted at around 1.5 million people.

"Apart from Langkawi, Kedah has many attractions including Alor Setar itself, such as Zahir Mosque, Nobat Hall and Sultan Abdul Halim Gallery," he said at the opening ceremony of the Alor Setar Darulaman Hotel.

According to him, Kedah's rich comparisons of heritage, history, and nature are unparalleled in other places abroad.

However, he said, he hoped that everyone would play a more aggressive role in promoting the uniqueness and beauty of Kedah.

He said he hoped industry players like the hotel owners would also increase their activities to attract tourists to the state.

"For example, I see some hotels collaborating with certain parties in Langkawi to take the initiative of organizing international sports activities, which attracts many people," he said.

He said other industry players were also encouraged to hold various activities involving sports tourism as it had its own fan base.

Hotel Darulaman Alor Setar is located in Alor Setar City Center is a budget hotel owned by the Cooperative Teachers Melayu Berhad (KGGMKB).