W. Nusa Tenggara sets aside Rp 500m/year to promote local tourism

The West Nusa Tenggara administration has allocated Rp 500 million (US$52,500) per year for incentives for low-cost carrier Air Asia Indonesia — which just opened a Kuala Lumpur–Lombok route — to promote local tourism.

West Nusa Tenggara Transportation Agency spokesman Ridwansyah said on Tuesday that the incentive package was given as part of its efforts to boost the number of direct flights connecting the provincial capital of Lombok to other cities in support of local tourism.

The incentives will be used to promote local tourism through Air Asia’s in-flight magazine. “The administration and Air Asia have agreed. The route is expected to open on Sept. 15,” Ridwan told The Jakarta Post.

The airline will provide three flights connecting the Malaysian capital and Lombok each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

In 2009 and 2010, the province set aside Rp 2 billion per year in incentives, which were given to local operators serving the Lombok–Sumbawa route.

“[This year] we allocated a budget for an international route, which will hopefully benefit local tourism,” Ridwan said (Jakarta Post)