More Indonesians Will Visit Langkawi If Direct Flights Available - Consul General

LANGKAWI, June 11 (Bernama) – Having direct flights from several destinations in Indonesia can increase the number of tourists from the country to Langkawi, says Indonesian Consul-General in Penang, Iwanshah Wibisono. He said there was growing interest among Indonesian tourists to visit the island year after year following active promotion on its unique offerings. So far, the only way to get to Langkawi from Indonesia was via Kuala Lumpur and Penang, on flights operated by AirAsia and City Link, a subsidiary of Garuda Air. "If there are direct flights to Langkawi, they (Indonesians) may prefer it (to come visit)," he said after attending a promotion for food from Bogor, Indonesia, at the breaking of fast ceremony organised by Adya Hotel Langkawi, here. According to him, the long history shared between the two neighbouring countries made Malaysia a preferred destination for Indonesians. "Malaysia is considered by the people of Indonesia as a neighbouring country with a large Muslim population, and there are many other similarities, including a common culture," he said. Iwanshah also lauded Adya Hotel Langkawi's effort to cooperate with the Sahira Hotel Group in Indonesia, especially in terms of culinary specialties and tourism. As part of the partnership which began on June 2, Hotel Sahira, a four-star hotel based in Bogor, Indonesia has placed two culinary experts at Adya Hotel Langkawi for 10 days, to prepare specialties from the district nearby Jakarta. Adya Hotel Langkawi will send two of its own culinary experts to Hotel Sahira in August for the same purpose, and this partnership is expected to be expanded. "These collaborative events can enhance (the tourism sector) in Indonesia and Malaysia, as it is one of the economic growth engines for both countries," he added. -- BERNAMA