TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Garuda Indonesia was focusing on opening direct international flights to Bali in a bid to attract foreign tourists since the number declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Why do we target Bali, because Garuda is great at bringing Indonesian tourists abroad, rather than foreign tourists to Indonesia. This is what we want to focus on with the Tourist Ministry,” said Garuda CEO Irfan Setiaputra in a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI in Jakarta, Tuesday, July 14.

Besides, the direct flight was aimed at increasing tourist spending, Irfan added.

According to him, Bali is still attractive especially for American and European tourists, and they spent much during their vacation in Dewata Island (the Island of God).

“The Tourism Ministry has a research result showing the high spending of European and American tourists in Bali. This is what we want to try by opening direct flights to Denpasar, not Jakarta. This is our cooperation with the Tourism Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry. We have made communication on Thursday and are so excited,” he said.

Irfan continued that Garuda Indonesia had also communicated with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan and prepared the implementation of the health protocols.

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