The state is aiming to achieve its target of 3.5 million visitors this year, with tourism expos in destinations covered by airline companies that have direct flights here.

State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said this when launching the inaugural Johor Baru-Ipoh flight by national airline Firefly at the Senai International Airport, near here, recently.

He said, the state government could cooperate with Firefly to have Johor tourism expos in Perak, the Federal Territory and Kelantan for example.

“We want to encourage more domestic tourists to the state and one of the efforts that we are undertaking is by having Johor expos at these direct destinations,” said Tee.

Tee, who welcomed the arrival of 62 passengers in Firefly’s maiden flight from Ipoh, said he was confident the tourism attractions in Johor, such as the Legoland Theme Park, Hello Kitty Town and Johor Premium Outlets, would be able to draw more domestic tourists from Perak.

He said Johor recorded a jump in domestic tourist arrivals from 2.16 million in 2012 to 3.1 million last year.

“We hope to increase this to 3.5 million this year,” he said, expressing confidence that the Johor Baru-Ipoh flights would mutually benefit both states.

The Johor Baru-Ipoh flight, which uses the ATR 72-500 aircraft that can accommodate 72 passengers, is available four times a week – on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

With the introduction of the new route, Firefly is offering the JB-Ipoh flight at RM59 one way, with sales until Sept 28 for flights beginning from today till Oct 24.

“We are also working with Firefly to promote the attractions in Johor to other states,” said Tee, adding that the long term plan was to make the Senai airport a hub for flights from neighbouring countries.

Currently, Firefly offers direct flights to Johor from Penang, Kelantan, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.

Firefly Johor chief executive officer Khairul Anuar Daud said the airline launched the new flight route because of overwhelming bookings to Johor.

“For example, four years ago, we only had two flights weekly from Subang (in Selangor) to Senai and now we have seven,” he said, adding that the airline would be increasing flights between Johor Baru and Kota Baru.

Source: http://www.thestar.com