Resumption of Medan-Ipoh flight holds potential to boost sector in Perak

Nolee Ashilin (fourth from right) welcoming passengers from the Medan to Ipoh flight. She said the route offers the opportunity to boost medical tourism for the state.

TOURISM PERAK is embarking on an effort to woo travellers from Medan for medical tourism.

Perak Tourism Committee Chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohd Radzi said the Malindo Air flight from Medan to Ipoh will allow people to access treatment in established hospitals in Ipoh conveniently.

Nolee Ashilin said those who are seeking treatment could even bring their families along as there are plans to offer several interesting family packages.

She said people coming to Ipoh for medical tourism might also take the opportunity to visit other parts of the state.

“A business-matching session between tourism players from Perak and Medan will be held to come up with packages.

“There is a lot of potential for travel between Perak and Medan, but we must be creative and competitive to ensure we package our offerings attractively,” she said after welcoming the passengers of Malindo’s inaugural flight from Medan to Ipoh at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport last Friday.

A group of some 30 passengers arrived on the first flight, while 18 passengers from Ipoh flew to Medan on the return leg.

Among the passengers were tourism and media representatives from Medan from eight different travel and tourism agencies and four media organisations.

Nolee Ashilin added that, since the announcement about Malindo Air reinstating the route was only recently made, it will take a little time for passenger numbers to increase.

She said she hopes the private sector will help promote packages to sell Perak in Medan, as she is confident more tourists will visit the state thanks to the flight.

“The state government is always there to support any sort of positive engagement to promote the state.

“One of the reasons for the reinstatement of the flight is the working visit by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir to Jakarta and Medan last year,” she added.

Nolee Ashilin said 274,000 passengers arrived at the airport in Ipoh last year, compared to 270,000 passengers in 2016.

“We are happy with the increase, and we hope with better promotions, more tourists will visit the state this year,” she added.

The airline operates the route four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.