AirAsia Encourages Decline in Airport Taxes in ASEAN

INDUSTRY.co.id - Manila- AirAsia Group's Founder and President Director Tony Fernandes is pushing for a reduction in airport tax rates in ASEAN to boost tourism growth in the region.

"We encourage all ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, if we want to encourage business and tourism, reduce tourism taxes, not raise it," Tony said in an interview after the ASEAN Business Awards 2017 award at Solaire Pasay City, Manila, Wednesday (6/9/2017)

Tony previously submitted a proposal to develop flights from Davao City, the Philippines to major cities in China, Korea and Malaysia to the Philippine government.

However, to be able to realize the plan, it applying for a drop in airport tax or departure tax at a small airport.

"My goal in the next five years is for Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines to have low-cost terminals and airports, and I am sure it will greatly encourage tourism," he said.

The presence of airports and low-cost terminals will be able to boost tourism because ASEAN provides benefits in the business.

Small towns with great tourism potential will be easily visited by foreign tourists with airport penetration and low cost terminals.

"There are many other cities that need connectivity like Lombok, Melaka, Surat Thani or Palawan They have no direct flights so I say to the government, make it cheaper so low cost airlines like we can invest and certainly open up new jobs there, "he said.