Transportation Ministry to Boost Tourist Arrivals With Better Aviation Access, Facilities
Jakarta. The Ministry of Transportation plans to help boost tourist arrivals with its policies, most of which are centered on improving air transportation, it said in a statement on Thursday (04/05).
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi laid out the key policies during a coordination meeting with the ministry in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on April 26.
Developing the necessary airport infrastructure, especially at the 10 priority tourist destinations, is paramount.
"The airports closest to those destinations are being upgraded in terms of security, safety, and convenience to welcome more tourists," said Agus Santoso, director general of air transportation.
Another policy involves enhancing aviation cooperation with member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), under their open skies agreement.
The ministry also urged foreign carriers to add more flights to the priority destinations. There are several countries targeted to bring more tourists to these destinations. They include Japan, Australia, Taiwan, the United States, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, South Korea and several in the Middle East.
In addition, Agus said the ministry has streamlined the process for national and foreign airlines to secure approval for extra flights during peak seasons.
"We will also give discounts for airlines landing at less crowded airports," Agus said.
Besides aviation, the Transportation Ministry is also in the process of improving access for shipping by developing port infrastructure and streamlining the process for cruise ships and yachts to obtain permits for entering the country's waters.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya expressed his appreciation of the Transportation Ministry's efforts to boost tourist arrivals.
"The Transportation Ministry has provided enormous support to the tourism industry by improving access for both air and water transportation," Arief said.
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