KUCHING, May 5: Direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta will see a boom in medical, education, sports and social tourism, says Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Stating that the new route will directly benefit Sarawak’s tourism, he said it would also save expenses and travel time for passengers who have become used to being forced to transit through Kuala Lumpur.
“Sarawak has longed for this flight to come true and here we are now. We will see our tourism grow, be it in medical, official, education, sports or social tourism,” said Snowdan in a press statement today.
With these new flights incoming, he hopes to see a rise in foreign tourists arrivals, spending and other spin-off effects in sectors such as hotel accommodations, entertainment, sales and transport besides enhancing cultural exchanges between Sarawak and Indonesia.
Following tourism and accessibility, Snowdan, who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman believes that what follows will benefit businesses on both sides.
“Perhaps we need to anticipate adjusting our tourists arrival figures too for this year and onwards,” he said.
Amid optimism, Snowdan however also expresses concern such as sustainability.
“It is our expectation that it (the direct flights) stays and is not hindered by flight delays, cancellation, low reservations and other reasons,” said Snowdan.
AirAsia Indonesia announced a new route connecting Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta (CGK) and Kuching (KCH) beginning June 15, with a promotional fare as low as RM199 one way. — DayakDaily
