Plans have been revealed to convert former oil palm plantations surrounding Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s main terminal into attractions such as theme parks, concert halls and golf courses in an effort to bring in additional tourists and businesses.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has 90sq km (34.7sq m) of land in Sepang, where both the airport and Malaysia’s current Formula One race track – the Sepang International Circuit – are located.

Future developments for the area dubbed KLIA Aeropolis include a 500 acre as-yet unnamed theme park, in addition to 100 acres of land for offices, plus hotels, restaurants and various attractions.

“As the area becomes more developed, the airport slowly becomes less and less a destination for passengers to take a flight, more and more a destination by itself,” said KLIA Aeropolis chief financial officer Faizal Mansor. “I don’t think any other airport in the world has got the kind of land bank that we have.”

Malaysia’s government is targeting a major push to attract 36 million tourists a year (up from 25.7 million) and RM168bn (US$51bn, €38.3bn, £30.6bn) in revenue by 2020.