REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON -- Indonesia is ready to lure more foreign tourists by promoting its tourism attractions at the Internationale Tourismus Brse (ITB Berlin), which takes place in Berlin, Germany, on March 4-8, 2015. Director for International Tourism Promotion of the Tourism Ministry Nia Niscaya remarked that Indonesia's participation at the ITB Berlin is part of its efforts to attract 20 million foreign tourists by 2019.
The Indonesian pavilion will display a traditional Indonesian boat, Phinisi, which is one of the cultural heritages of the nation that is still used in the reliefs of Borobudur since the 9th century. The traditional ship is still used as a mode of public transportation and is also an icon that showcases the identity of Indonesia as the largest archipelago in the world.
Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya stated that Indonesia's tourism industry is eager to intensify promotion. In 2019, the tourism sector is expected to attract 20 million foreign visitors, with a growth of 12 percent each year.
"In the ITB Berlin, the Tourism Ministry will promote Indonesia, which is a world-class tourist destination. Indonesia is a great nation that comprises 251 million people, 1,128 ethnic groups, and hundreds of dialects," he noted.
He pointed out that the Indonesian territory comprises over 13 thousand islands spanning three time zones of the world. Indonesia has true wealth in the form of its traditions, folklores, and cultures.
The Indonesian delegation will occupy more than 410 meters in Hall 26A, No. 120. The delegation comprises 100 tour operators, businessman accommodation providers, and provincial tourism authorities. "We are optimistic that the tourism sector can continue to maintain a high growth rate in the future, so that it becomes an economic driver for Indonesia," he emphasized.
The Indonesian delegation will conduct meetings with stakeholders from the tourism industry during the ITB Berlin. Indonesia offers diving sites in Raja Ampat (Papua), cultural heritage in Borobudur and Prambanan (Central Java), shopping in Jakarta and Bandung, and an ideal holiday location in Bali.
Over the past three years, tourist arrivals have increased sharply. This sector has contributed significantly to the economy.
Indonesia, with 251 million people and a vibrant democracy, has several tourist destinations. Economic growth is expected to increase travel and tourism revenue in the future.
Meanwhile, the demand for international tourism in Indonesia remains high in accordance with the Central Statistics Agency's report.
Based on the report, 9,435,411 tourists visited Indonesia from January to December 2014, an increase of 7.19 percent of the total number noted in 2013. In December 2014, there were 915,334 tourists, which was the highest ever recorded in history. As for 2015, some 12 million tourists are forecast to holiday in Indonesia.
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