ndonesia could obtain an additional US$1 billion in state revenue this year from foreign tourist spending through increased air traffic at major airports, a top government official has said.
“If we add two more air traffic movements, we can add Rp 250 billion [$18.74 million] in revenue for airport operators, while the Tourism Ministry can attract 1 million more seats [for tourists] and $1 billion from their average spending of $1,000 per person,” Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said on Friday.
For instance, an additional two air traffic movements at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, would see the airport manage 27 aircraft movements per hour from the current 25 aircraft movements per hour.
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Arief said Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom had one runway as Ngurah Rai airport had, yet Gatwick could facilitate 55 aircraft movements in an hour.
“Air connectivity is important because it accounts for up to 80 percent [of tourist transportation],” he said.
Indonesia is eyeing 15 million foreign tourist visits this year, up from last year’s target of 12 million foreign tourists. (tas)
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