Garuda Indonesia introduces Jakarta to Perth

• New daily service starts on June 28 from Jakarta to Perth

• Number of visitors from Indonesia to WA continues to grow

• Major increase of State's tourism industry

Western Australia's tourism industry is set to receive a major increase thanks to new daily direct flights between Jakarta and Perth, announced today by Garuda Indonesia, Tourism Minister Kim Hames said.

The direct flights are due to start on June 28 this year.

"With more than 10 million people, Jakarta is the most populous city in South East Asia and re-establishing a direct service to Perth is a big vote of confidence in Western Australia as a holiday and business destination," Dr Hames said.

"Indonesia's huge population of nearly 249 million people, it's rapidly developing middle class and growing economy make it an attractive visitor source market."

The Minister said the potential of this source market had been well evidenced in recent years with Indonesia becoming Western Australia's sixth-biggest market for international visitors, growing at an average rate of 14 per cent for the past three years.

"In the year ending September 30, 2012, more than 32,000 Indonesians visited the State and contributed more than $110million in expenditure to the State's economy," he said.

"During the same period, WA attracted 25 per cent of all visitors to Australia from Indonesia.

"Garuda Indonesia's decision to commence direct flights further strengthens the trade relationship between Indonesia and Western Australia."

          Fact File

• Since 2008, both Qatar and China Southern Airlines have started flying to Perth for the first time

• Liberal National Govt has provided $1.2m to target tourism markets with good growth potential, such as China, and to improve air access through route development

• Flights will be non-stop between Perth and Jakarta

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

Minister's office - 6552 5300