TANJUNG PIAI: Johor is looking to have new international direct flights to China and India, which will spur its tourism sector, says K. Raven Kumar.
The state Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman added that he recently had a meeting with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to help promote tourism in Johor.
"Among the matters that were discussed also includes increasing the number of direct flights from Senai International Airport to several countries within the region.
"We are looking at having direct flights to China especially now that their border is open following the Covid-19 restrictions there being lifted.
"Tiong will bring up this matter during his visit to China next month. We want to connect Johor Baru and five major cities in China," he said.
Raven Kumar said this after officiating at the mangrove run programme in conjunction with the World Wetlands Day celebration held at Tanjung Piai Johor National Park here on Thursday (Feb 2).
He added that besides China, Johor was also looking at having direct international flights to India where tourists from the two countries can help grow the tourism sector here.
Raven Kumar, who is also the MIC Youth chief, said that presently, Senai International Airport has direct international flights to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
"Upgrading works including having a new terminal at the airport are already completed. This is part of our preparations to get more foreign tourists to come to the state.
"Johor has plenty of things to offer such as our national parks as well as beautiful islands and beaches. We are also discussing with local tourism players to have more attractive packages soon," he added.
