"China is a highly potential tourism market, but direct flights from China to Indonesia are relatively few in number. We are far lagging behind many other countries in exploiting the Chinese market," Tourism Minister Arif Yahya said.Beijing (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will provide more charter flights for the transport of tourists from a number of China cities to Indonesia.
"China is a highly potential tourism market, but direct flights from China to Indonesia are relatively few in number. We are far lagging behind many other countries in exploiting the Chinese market," Tourism Minister Arif Yahya said here on Friday.
During his working visit to China, the minister witnessed the signing of cooperation agreement between Indonesia airline Citilink and Wanda Group on charter flights from China to Indonesia.
He said most flights from China to Indonesia has to stop over in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, whereas, two third of Chinese travelers want direct flight to Indonesia," Arif said.
Therefore, Indonesia wants to increase the number of charter flights from Chinese cities to Indonesia, he said, adding, "the plan is charter flights would be opened from cities in northern China to Jakarta, Bali and Singapore."
From the three hubs, the tourists would proceed to tourist destinations in Indonesia such as Bintan, Batam, Yogyakarta, Manado, Morotai, etc, he said.
The plan is expected to be implemented in the next summer holidays that more Chinese tourists would visit Indonesia, the minister said.
So far non-stop flight between China and Indonesia have been served by Garuda Indonesia in regular flights - Beijing-Jakarta, Beijing-Denpasar, Shanghai-Jakarta, Shanghai-Denpasar, Guangzhou-Jakarta and Guangzhou-Denpasar.
Charter flights have been served by Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya and Citilink. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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