The Tourism and Creative Economy Office of East Nusa Tenggara Province has suggested to the Ministry of Transportation to start the Kupang-Dili-Darwin flight route.
“The flight route will increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals in East Nusa Tenggara and other regions in Indonesia,” Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Office of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Marius Jelamu, stated here on Thursday.
He noted that the Kupang-Dili-Darwin flight route is, so far, unavailable. Hence, foreign tourists keen on visiting the province have to take a flight via Jakarta or Denpasar to Komodo airport in Labuan Bajo or El Tari airport in Kupang.
Until mid 80’s there were international commercial route between Kupang and Darwin in Australia.According to Jelamu, the flight route should be considered as the three destinations are located in proximity to each other.
“East Nusa Tenggara shares its borders with Timor Leste, and it is close to Australia. If there is a flight connecting the three destinations located in three different countries, then the transportation and communication lanes will be smoother,” Jelamu affirmed.
Starting a transportation lane from one country to East Nusa Tenggara would help the province boost its economic growth, especially in the tourism sector.
“It will ease travel for the foreign tourists from Timor Leste and Australia planning to visit East Nusa Tenggara and other regions. Moreover, the visa-free policy will facilitate the flow of tourists into the province,” he stated.
He noted that the Indonesian flight carrier Garuda Indonesia could seize this opportunity as the market will always exist.
“The flight carrier should not harbor concerns as passengers are always available,” he added.