Berlian Napitupulu, Indonesian consul general, stressed the importance of efficient air links to boost tourist arrivals for both Indonesia and Davao City.
More direct flights between Indonesia and Davao City are needed to boost tourism and business in the southern Philippine region.
Berlian Napitupulu, Indonesian consul general, stressed the importance of efficient air links to boost tourist arrivals for both Indonesia and Davao City.
“We keep saying that we are neighbours and because of that we must do something about it. This will not only benefit Indonesia but also Davao,” Napitupulu said.
Napitupulu said the revival of the Davao-Manado air route early next year would achieve more tourist arrivals for both islands.
Manado is a mere 639 kilometres from Davao City, with an actual flying time of one hour and 17 minutes. The route was scrapped in 2008 due to poor load factor.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism targets around 20 million visitors by 2019. Philippines is one of the primary markets that is expected to contribute around 260,000 visitors.
At present, there are three airlines flying Manila to Jakarta, and Manila to Denpasar - Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines.