West Manggarai District Government (Pemda Mabar), in East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT), asserts that the new international flight route from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo will significantly boost foreign tourist visits to Labuan Bajo as a Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP). "We should celebrate the direct AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo. The impact of these flights will undoubtedly increase tourist visits to West Manggarai," stated Stefan Jemsifori, Head of the Office of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture (Disparekrafbud), contacted in Labuan Bajo on Sunday (7/7). AirAsia is set to commence this international route on September 3, 2024. Stefan Jemsifori reported that from January to June 2024, Labuan Bajo welcomed 12,312 foreign tourists from various countries. "From January to June 2024, a total of 35,936 tourist visits were recorded across seven designated government collection points," he added.
He further noted that tourist visits also contribute to an increase in Local Revenue (PAD) from the tourism sector. From January to June 2024, West Manggarai's PAD from tourism totaled IDR 1.26 billion. "Economic growth will also see an increase, and in light of this situation, as the 'Host,' we must be fully prepared to improve and enhance all sectors of life, especially those related to tourism," he emphasized. Meanwhile, AirAsia's launch of direct international flights connecting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on September 3, 2024, aims to enhance tourism connectivity between the two countries. This new route, operating three times a week, marks AirAsia Malaysia's (flight code AK) first international flight to Labuan Bajo. "Labuan Bajo and Kuala Lumpur, two cities in different countries yet closely linked by natural beauty, cultural richness, and promising economic opportunities," stated Veranita Yosephine, CEO of Indonesia AirAsia, in a statement received in Labuan Bajo. She highlighted that AirAsia's direct flights provide easy access for Malaysian tourists to explore Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park (TNK). "Together, Labuan Bajo and Kuala Lumpur are advancing as premier tourist destinations in the regional area," she concluded.
