NTT Needs Direct International Flights to Boost Its Tourism Industry

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (Antara NTT) - A local lawmaker has said East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) needs direct international flights to back up its plan to boost its tourism industry.

Inosensius Fredi Mui of the commission II of the regional legislative body said there has been no direct international flights from and to NTT to facilitate transport of foreign tourism to the region.

"The number of foreign tourists visiting NTT is much smaller than the number of domestic tourists," Fredi said here on Saturday.

In 2016, NTT recorded only 112,433 visits of foreign tourist as against visits by domestic tourists of 769,962, he said.

He said the number of foreign tourists could easily increase provided that direct international flights are available from and to the region.

The province, which is made up of many small islands, is no less attractive than other tourist destinations in the country even in the world, he said, pointing to the Labuan Bajo just across the Komodo island, one of the world wonders with its ancient lizards.

"Bali is crowded with foreign tourists as the visitors to the resort island are facilitated with direct international flights," he said.

He called on the NTT provincial administration to continue coordination with the central government to open direct international flights to and from any of potential NTT cities.

So far foreign tourists visited NTT only if they still have time or money left after visiting other areas in the country, he said.

"So far at best we are only second in the itineraries of foreign tourists to the country," he said.

Another regional lawmaker Leonardus said tourism sector is highly potential in contribution to the regional income of the province.

NTT could contribute significantly to reaching the government target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists in 2019, Leonardus said.