Korean Air Explores Opportunities to Open Direct Flight to Manado
28 April 2017 06:48 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korea-based Korean Air is exploring opportunities to open direct flights between Seoul and Manado, North Sulawesi.
The executive officers of Korean Air, Jin Air and Hanjin Travel have met with North Sulawesi Deputy Governor Steven Kandouw to discuss the expansion plans. Steven said that direct flights from Seoul will cut travel time and save costs.
He also underlined that North Sulawesi tourism industry is conducive to welcoming foreign visitors. “I can guarantee the security in the region. North Sulawesi is safer than other regions,” he said told Bisnis.com yesterday.
Steven added that direct flights between Seoul and Manado will have a positive impact on the city’s tourism industry. Ahead of the expansion plan, the North Sulawesi government has provided free courses to police personnel and tour guides to get them prepared for the arrival of South Korean tourists.
At present, Singapore-based Silkair is the only airline to have regular direct flights to Manado. Meanwhile, local airlines Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air and Citilink serve direct flights from China.
Following the opening of direct flights from China, North Sulawesi saw the number of foreign tourist visits doubled in 2016 to 40,624. Some 12,793 foreigners visited the province between January and February this year or a 497 percent year-on-year increase.
BISNIS.COM