Manado-Incheon Route Opened, Only One Flight from Korea to Bunaken.

From blue skies to glass-clear seas, North Sulawesi is preparing to welcome a new chapter in tourism. This optimism comes with the opening of a direct flight route from Incheon (South Korea) to Manado, which is believed to accelerate the flow of foreign tourists to the land of waving coconut palms.

"This cooperation is expected to open new investment opportunities and significantly increase Korean tourist visits to North Sulawesi," said North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus in Manado on Tuesday.

This significant step began with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the North Sulawesi Provincial Government and Eastar Jet airline. This LoI marks an increasingly concrete relationship between North Sulawesi and South Korea.

For Yulius, this is not just air transportation cooperation but a symbol of a cultural and economic bridge connecting two nations in the Pacific region.

Zero Emission Tourism: Sulut-Style Green Tourism

The beauty of North Sulawesi is undeniable. From Bunaken marine park to Mount Klabat's panorama, all serve as magnets for global tourists. However, the Governor has a vision beyond promoting natural beauty.

"Sulut possesses unique tourism advantages. We have a zero emission tourism concept where we sell natural beauty: blue skies, blue seas, and green land. This is the strength of the sustainable tourism we're developing," he said.

This concept points toward a new direction for eco-friendly tourism that's not only attractive but also preserves nature.

This vision aligns with the global trend of sustainable tourism now favored by international travelers.

Warm Reception, Great Expectations

The atmosphere at Wisma Negara Bumi Beringin in Manado transformed into a warm diplomatic gathering. At the Welcome Dinner for the Korean Delegation, the Governor hosted honored guests ranging from the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy to the Deputy Ambassador of South Korea to Indonesia and aviation industry players from the Land of Ginseng.

Behind this elegant dinner reception lay North Sulawesi's grand message: not merely presenting beauty but building international connections and trust.

The Governor hopes this meeting isn't just ceremonial.

"The dinner with the South Korean delegation isn't merely a diplomatic reception, but a new hope—a bold step toward North Sulawesi's increasingly global tourism future," he said.

From Manado to the World

With direct Manado-Incheon flights, Korean tourists can now enjoy shorter journeys to the tropical paradise at Sulawesi's northern tip.

This connectivity also opens opportunities for investment in Sulut's tourism, culinary, and creative economy sectors.

For North Sulawesi, every plane landing from Korea carries not just tourists but hope, opportunities, and the future of green tourism.(Antara)