The newly-launched flight opens opportunities in the tourist and economic sectors.
Garuda Indonesia launched a new direct flight from Singapore to Tanjung Pandan on Belitung Island on Monday.
A Bombardier CRJ 1000 departed from Singapore’s Changi Airport for the maiden flight, and landed at HAS Hanandjoeddin International Airport in Tanjung Pandan.
Up to 83 passengers and journalists from Singapore were on the initial flight, kompas.com reported.
The visitors were invited to do island-hopping to Kelayang Island and its surroundings, namely Garuda, Batu Berlayar, Lengkuas and Pasir Islands.
“Five-star hotels and a golf course are currently being prepared to be used by foreign travelers at the end of 2018,” said Berlianto Situngkir, economic function coordinator at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Singapore.
Read also: Garuda to open direct route from Singapore to Belitung Island’s Tanjung Pandan
Operating four times a week, the flight opens connectivity to other business sectors, including cruise tourism development and the improvement in exporting Belitung’s local products. It anticipates the holiday season in December as well.
Belitung is one of the new destinations included in the Tourism Ministry’s Hot Deals tourism package and Twin Destinations program that have been developed to attract Singaporean travelers and other foreign tourists in Singapore. Known as one of "10 new Balis", Belitung is seen as a potential destination for having many attractions to offer.
Up to 929,106 tourists from Singapore reportedly traveled to Indonesia between January and July this year, which is an increase of 9.6 percent compared to the same period in 2017. (wir/kes)
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