Bali-Mumbai: Garuda airline announces direct link

The prospects of tourism between Indonesia and India looks bright, especially since Garuda airline is planning a direct link between Bali and Mumbai.

In 2015, there were 271,252 Indian tourists who went to see the many attractions of Indonesia, and in 2016, this shot up to 376,802. In 2017, the figure may go up to 500,000, although the recent volcano eruptions may have an impact on that projection, according to some agents who were part of a sales mission in New Delhi on December 21.

Mr. Sidharto Suryodipuro, the Ambassador of Indonesia to India, who has recently taken over the post, feels that there is much scope of growth, with many golf courses, weddings, and MICE opportunities.

He feels that spiritual travel can also increase, and suggested that some Indian carriers should also start direct flights between the two countries.

The Delhi sales mission was part of the Ministry of Tourism which is also boosting awareness in Taipei and Guangzhou.

Apart from the sales mission interaction with agents and media in Delhi on December 21, the country has also planned a big event in a popular mall in the city in the next few days.
India and Indonesia have close historic links, which is another reason for travelers to see new places in Indonesia throughout its thousands of islands.