REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia is exploring African tourist markets by participating in a fair called "The Gateway Show Africa" in Johannesburg, South Africa, which will be held from September 23 to 25.

"The participation is a strategy to optimize the exploration of the African tourism market, which has huge potential," Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said here on Thursday.

Data obtained from the Ministry and Statistics Indonesia pointed out that the number of African tourists visiting the country has increased over the years. In 2012, 37,306 African tourists visited Indonesia, which increased to 42,607 in 2013 and 45,276 in 2014.

Most African tourists are attracted to shopping, cultural, maritime, and adventuring tours.

Minister Arief noted that South Africa is one of the countries, which has been granted a visa-free entry, along with 169 other countries.

Meanwhile, the Deputy of Overseas Tourism Marketing Development at the Ministry, I Gde Pitana, said The Gateway Show will be a great chance to promote the Wonderful Indonesia tour package among the South Africans.

"The Getaway Show is an international tourism market, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans, and visited by industry players, media, and communities in South Africa," he said.

It is estimated that more than 316 industries, 142 media, 3,462 visitors and 4,127 professionals will attend the event.

Deputy Assistant of Europe, Middle East, America and Africa Market Development, Nia Niscaya said six industry players will participate in the event, namely Afronesia Tours, PT Bhara Tours, Nusa DuaBeach Hotel Bali, The Facet Tours, Maya Ubud Resort Bali, and Suburban travel and Tour Advisors.

She further said visitors, who take pictures in the Wonderful Indonesia booth and upload their pictures with #wonderfulindonesia, follow the @indtravel Instagram account, or Twitter @indtravelID, and like the Wonderful Indonesia Facebook page, will get a special souvenir.

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