REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Tomini Gulf, located in the Northeastern part of Sulawesi island, has the potential to become a world marine tourism destination, secretary of the Indonesian Marine Board, or DEKIN, Dedy H Sutisna said Thursday.
The implementation of Tomini Gulf Festival on September 10 to 13, 2014, is just momentum required to change the image of Tomini Gulf as a marine tourism destination in the eyes of the international community, according to him. This largest bay in Indonesia could be the most attractive marine tourism destination in the world due to its richness of natural and cultural potential.
Through the festival, the world was expected to familiarize itself with the beauty of the biodiversity in Tomini Gulf, Sutisna said. The festival is celebrated with various events for tourists keeping in mind the cultural wealth of Tomini Gulf.
Among others are traditional dance performances, a parade of fishing boats, an exhibition of marine and fisheries life as well as the awards night for an underwater photography competition involving 40 participants. This festival is one of a series of the Archipelago Day Commemoration and also a prelude to welcome Sail Tomini 2015.
"The charm of the sea and its cultural diversity makes Tomini Gulf, that lies between the coral triangle a magnificent exotica to explore," Sutisna said, adding that the marine tourism sector in this area is most efficient and perfect for investment over other sectors.
As per a report by The World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2014 Indonesia is likely to see a 14.2 percent growth in foreign tourist visits and 6.3 percent in domestic travelers.
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