Malaysia's Tony Fernandes Nods to Help Revive Tourism in Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno held a virtual meeting with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, requesting his help to enhance connectivity within Indonesia's super-priority tourism destinations.

"During the meeting, I asked him to provide flight routes to and from our five super-priority tourism destinations which we believe will bring in more Asian tourists such as from Thailand, China, and India," said Sandiaga on Monday, March 1.

"This is part of our preparations to welcome foreign tourists by applying the free Covid corridor or travel bubble concept," he continued.

Also read: Bali Mull Covid-19 Jab Drive for Travelers to Revive Tourism

Sandiaga also talked about the potential for tourism in Indonesia and what the government has done to contain the spread of Covid-19 through the implementation of a mass vaccination program. 

"How could we revive Indonesia's economy by closing the airports, in my opinion, this isn't going to increase our chances of accelerating the economic recovery. But if AirAsia commits to operating flights to and from the five super-priority destinations we could improve our chances," said Sandiaga.

Sandiaga's request received a positive response from the AirAsia Group CEO.

Tony said he was ready to support the plan.

Also read: Sandiaga Uno’s Strategy to Stimulate Indonesia’s Tourism Industry

"I will start to operate those flights. I have 200 planes that have been grounded [due to the pandemic]. I will confirm directly to you, we are ready, " said Tony.

He also expressed his commitment to work together and revive the tourism recovery by providing the air transportation.

"Let's show Asia what we can do. And I believe I can attract many tourists from Thailand, China, and India to Indonesia. The tourism sector in India and China started to reactivate, so we're ready," he said.

The five super-priority destinations are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.

(Writer: Muhammad Choirul Anwar | Editor: Muhammad Choirul Anwar)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2021/03/01/154220526/airasia-parkir-200-pesawat-tony-fernandes-penuhi-ajakan-sandiaga-uno