REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BENGKULU -- Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia Mirza Adityaswara predicted that the tourism sector could be developed into one of the most potential fundamentals of the country's economy in the future.

"Let us just reflect on the economy of Bali, which has continued to grow. Now it even recorded a growth of more than 6 percent thanks mainly to tourism," Mirza pointed out at an economic seminar here on Thursday.

What happened was the contrary in other provinces which rely on the mining and plantation sectors, recorded a growth of less than three percent, he said.

"Java still posted a growth of more than 5 percent but Sumatra and Kalimantan which rely more on commodities grew only 2.8 percent and 1.3 percent respectively," he said.

Whereas Indonesia's tourism sector is highly potential with typical characteristics to draw both domestic and foreign tourists, he said.

"The question is how the regional administrations would exploit the potentials and draw tourists through unique promotional drives," he said.

He suggested hiring experienced event organizers to organize events that would draw visitors.

He said promotions with attractive activities, however, is not enough, adding, adequate infrastructure is vital to guarantee that tourists feel convenient.

"Regional administrations need to simplify licensing procedure and create favorable investment climate to accelerate tourism development in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, the central government is set to boost development of the tourism industry such as by offering visa free visits for visitors from more countries.

"Now visa free visits are offered for visitors from 45 countries and the number should be increased to 75 countries," he said.

He said Malaysia and Singapore are more successful in drawing foreign visitors because they offer visa free visit to tourists from 100 countries.

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