Garuda plans to open direct flights to Bali from US, France, India to boost tourism

Garuda Indonesia plans to open direct flights to Denpasar, Bali, from the US, France and India in an attempt to boost the country’s tourism that has been battered by the pandemic. The direct flights will connect Bali with American cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco and Indian cities like Mumbai and New Delhi as well as France. The airline is currently in talks with the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry and the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry regarding the plan, according to Garuda president director Irfan Setiaputra. “Garuda and the Tourism Ministry have agreed that the only way to boost foreign tourist visits is by introducing direct flights to Denpasar. Hopefully, we can make it through this crisis and start direct flights from countries that have large spending capabilities,” he said during a hearing with House of Representatives' Commission X overseeing tourism on Tuesday. Under the plan, Bali would be the entry point for tourists, not the capital Jakarta. “We’ll also fit the schedule to accommodate tourists with morning arrivals and evening departures, so they can spend most of their time on the island,” Irfan added.<br/>