Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno stated that his ministry is preparing new tour packages in West Java Province to support the West Java International Airport (BIJB) in Kertajati, Majalengka District.

"We are preparing the packages and after this coordination meeting, we will visit Majalengka and Sumedang to prepare the destinations to activate (the buffer area) surrounding Kertajati Airport," Uno remarked after the 2023 National Coordination Meeting for Tourism and Creative Economy here on Tuesday.

The minister noted that developing tourist destinations around the new airport aims to boost tourism in West Java, especially in the Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, and Kuningan (Ciayumajakuning) areas.

He stated that the ministry had coordinated with the Transportation Ministry in preparing the tour packages.

The tour packages are expected to attract several tourists to visit the tourism objects around the BIJB Kertajati Airport.

"We collaborate with the Ministry of Transportation, and we believe the Kertajati Airport will become a strategic center for tourism development in West Java," he remarked.

Related news: Commercial flights from Kertajati Airport run smoothly: Minister

Moreover, Uno noted that the ministry has explored cooperation with various airlines to add flight routes to BIJB Kertajati, especially international flights.

"We are exploring direct flights not only from Singapore and Malaysia but also from Middle Eastern countries," he revealed.

Meanwhile, Head of the West Java Tourism and Culture Office Benny Bachtiar stated that his side plans to hold regular events that showcase the local culture, as a promotion of tourism in the Ciayumajakuning area.

"This is momentum for Cirebon's creative industry, which needs to be anticipated properly and requires support from the city (administration) and other regions around Cirebon City," he remarked.

Related news: Minister discusses transportation integration for Kertajati Airport

Translator: Rubby P, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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