Muscat-Medan route to boost foreign tourist arrivals: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government keeps strengthening international connectivity to boost foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia through the launch of SalamAir's inaugural Muscat–Medan flight, which officially landed at Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra on Saturday, July 4.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the launch of the Muscat–Medan route marked an important milestone in strengthening Indonesia's connectivity with the Middle East while expanding opportunities to promote the country's tourism sector.

"This direct route not only strengthens Indonesia's connectivity with Oman, but also opens opportunities for Middle Eastern tourists to explore Indonesia's tourist destinations, especially North Sumatra, with Lake Toba as one of our priority destinations," Wardhana said in an official statement on Saturday.

According to her, the new route was a positive signal for strengthening the international tourist market from the Middle East.

Muscat's position as an aviation hub in the Gulf region is expected to broaden Indonesia's tourism promotion reach to several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism Ni Made Ayu Marthini said the Middle Eastern market holds significant potential.

She explained that travelers from the region are known for their interest in family tourism, Muslim-friendly tourism, nature-based tourism, culinary experiences, and luxury travel.

"North Sumatra has strong potential to be developed as a gateway for Middle Eastern tourists, whether for leisure travel, family visits, or onward connections to other destinations across Indonesia," Marthini said.

The new route is also expected to generate economic benefits for local communities and businesses in North Sumatra, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the creative economy sector.

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Translator: Chairul, Kenzu

Editor: Arie Novarina

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