Perth to welcome direct flight from Jakarta

• Garuda Indonesia resumes direct flights from Jakarta to Perth today

• Daily direct flights expected to boost visitors from Indonesia

• Indonesia is WA's sixth biggest source of international visitors

Garuda Indonesia will resume direct flights from Jakarta to Perth today, in a move which is expected to provide a boost for Western Australian tourism.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Indonesia was an important trade and tourism market for Western Australia and reinstating the direct flights between the two destinations would help to increase visitors to the State.

"The WA Government aims to double the value of tourism in Western Australia from $6billion in 2010 to $12billion in 2020, and aviation access is a key part of achieving this goal," Dr Hames said.

"Indonesia has great potential as a tourism market for WA - home to nearly 249 million people, including more than 10 million in Jakarta, as well as a growing middle class.

"The country is currently Western Australia's sixth biggest international source of visitors, growing at an average annual rate of 7.1 per cent over the past three years.

"In the year ending March 2013, 32,000 Indonesians visited the State, contributing $92million to the WA's economy."

The Minister said the State received around a quarter of all Indonesian visitors to Australia.

"Western Australia is a popular holiday and business destination, offering a diversity of extraordinary experiences for all visitors," he said.

"With a stunning 12,500km coastline, quality food and wine, uniquely rugged landscape, rich indigenous culture and a world-class events calendar, there is something for everyone in Western Australia."

       Fact File

• More information on Garuda Indonesia at: http://www.garuda-indonesia.net.au 

• Garuda Indonesia now operates 21-times weekly services between Perth and Indonesia, which includes twice daily services via Denpasar

Minister's office - 6552 5300