Indonesia eyes more Chinese tourists with new direct flights

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia expects to attract more Chinese tourists following the launch of two new direct flight routes connecting Jakarta with the major Chinese economic hubs of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, an official said.

The new services, operated by Spring Airlines, come amid a significant rebound in Chinese visitors.

According to government data, Indonesia welcomed 491,726 Chinese tourists between January and April 2023, marking a 25.58 percent increase from the 391,578 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.

"The introduction of these two new flight routes is a proactive response to accommodate the rising number of international tourists from China, which is showing a positive trend, particularly to Jakarta," Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism Ni Made Ayu Marthini said in an official statement, Tuesday.

The inaugural flight from Guangzhou landed at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on June 16 with 172 passengers, representing a 92.5 percent seat load factor.

The maiden flight from Shenzhen arrived the following day on June 17, carrying 178 passengers and filling 95.6 percent of its capacity. Passengers on both flights were welcomed with "Wonderful Indonesia" themed souvenirs.

Spring Airlines will operate the round-trip Guangzhou-Jakarta route three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Airbus A320 aircraft.

The Shenzhen-Jakarta route will run twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Tourism officials hope the increased connectivity will encourage travelers to explore destinations beyond the capital.

China remains one of the largest contributors to Indonesia's foreign tourism sector, which the government relies on to stimulate local economies and drive national economic growth.

"This step is expected to attract more tourists from China to visit Indonesia sustainably, ensuring their interest to visit is maintained and continues to grow in the future," Marthini added.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma Shanti, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicakson

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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