Tourism ties between Indonesia and the European Union (EU) will increase following the easing restriction on the operation of Indonesian air transportation to the region's countries, an official said here on Tuesday.

"With the gradual easing of restrictions on the operation of Indonesian air carriers to the EU countries, I have every confidence that two-way tourism will flourish further," James Moran, the Director for Asia of European Commission's Directorate General External Relation said at a seminar titled 'Indonesia and the European Union: Expanding Roles in a Globalized World'.

According to him, tourism is an area with huge potential for growth.

"The astoundingly diverse heritage of Indonesia has a magnetic attraction for European tourists," he said.

On July, the EU has lifted its restriction on four Indonesian air carriers from entering its territory.

Cultural, social and business relations were included in the Partnership Cooperation Agreement signed on Nov. 9 between Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and his Sweden counterpart Carl Bildt who chairs the EU council.