Asita Prepares Special Tour Packages for Singapore Tourists

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Travel Agents Association (Asita) of West Sumatra is ready to welcome the opening of Singapore-Padang direct flight route by Air Asia airline on February 9, 2018 by preparing special tour packages. "On the inaugural flight, the airline and West Sumatra Provincial Government have agreed to accommodate Singaporean travel bloggers, journalists and businessmen to come to West Sumatra," Asita Chairman Ian Hanafiah said in Padang on Thursday. He mentioned it related to tourism development efforts to increase the number of tourist visits to West Sumatra. Previously, Asita proposed that bloggers, journalists and travel entrepreneurs could come to West Sumatra before the first flight, February 9. But after discussions with the airlines and local government, finally agreed that the group was given accommodation to participate in the inaugural flight. "However, this is a great opportunity for West Sumatra to promote tourist destinations, arts and culture to Singapore tourists, we should use it as much as possible," he explained. Tourist market in Singapore can be divided into four ethnic namely Malays, China, India and tourists from Europe or America. Promotion for each ethnic effort can be specific. To ensure that, Asita and West Sumatra Provincial Government ask the assistance of Visit Indonesian Tourism Officer (VITO) of Singapore to invite bloggers and journalists who can represent each ethnic. While for the tour package will be adjusted with the time, how long they are in West Sumatra. But one of them that will be highlighted is cultural tourism. For example, for bloggers and journalists representing ethnic Chinese will be attempted to recognize the Chinese culture in West Sumatra. Or if it is possible, it will present other art attractions such as lion dance. The Chinese family association in West Sumatra even has a lion dance team that has been ranked world level in a number of international championships. In addition, coastal and marine destinations such as Padang Beach, island tours and surfing sports will also be offered as based on Singapore tourist information including beach tourism. Tours in Bukittinggi and Batusangkar are also considered to be introduced to Malays. But of all, the most important according to Ian Hanafiah is how to make the flight route can survive and not close in the middle of the road. "If an Air Asia class carrier closes the Singapore-Padang route, it is difficult to find another airline that will reopen the route, so all parties must support each other in order to survive the route," he added. (cha) Translator: Vicha Faradika