MORE direct flights between Indonesia and Davao City must be made in order to boost tourism activity and potential business investments for both areas.

Berlian Napitupulu, Indonesian consul general, underscored the importance of efficient and easy air linkages in order to secure increasing number of tourist arrivals for both Indonesia and Davao City.

Napitupulu said in an interview during the Indonesian Sales Mission at Marco Polo Hotel Davao City that both governments must utilize the proximity given with the geographical setting in order to help promote tourism sites of each place.

“We keep on saying that we are neighbors and because of that we must do something about it. This will not only benefit Indonesia but also Davao,” Napitupulu said, adding that there are a lot of business opportunities in Davao City in terms of manufacturing.

He added that also by conducting trade expos, Indonesian business delegates could also look on the possibility of expanding business operations in Mindanao. And this entry of the Indonesian business community could only be strengthened through more air connectivity.

With the revival of the Davao-Manado air route early next year, Napitupulu said this will be an effective way in achieving more tourist arrivals for both islands.

The said route was halted back in 2008 due to load factor.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism targets around 20 million visitors by 2019. Philippines is one of the primary markets that is expected to contribute around 260,000 in 2019.

At present, there are three airlines flying from Manila-Jakarta, and Manila to Denpasar with Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines.