REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chinese investors are viewed as having the potential to be invited to cooperate in developing tourism in Manado, North Sulawesi, Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) spokesman Himawan Hariyoga stated.

During a consolidation meeting titled "Investment Manado" here on Thursday, the BKPM deputy of investment promotion noted that the potential was deciphered after taking in account the large number of Chinese tourists visiting North Sulawesi.

"Chinese investors have the potential to develop more familiar destinations in North Sulawesi for the tourists from the country," Hariyoga remarked.

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in North Sulawesi Province in February 2017 had surged significantly.

In February this year, the airport received a total of 5,119 foreign tourists, an increase of 233.49 percent, as compared to 1,535 tourists in the same period last year.

Of the total, 4,166 people, or 81.38 percent, were from China, and the rest comprised 118 Singaporeans, 91 Americans, 72 Germans, 66 Hong Kong residents, 60 Malaysians, 55 Australians, 49 British, 46 Japanese, and 36 Dutch.

Meanwhile, the local government of North Sulawesi has continued to boost the tourism sector, as more direct flights from China to Manado through the Sam Ratulangi International Airport are expected to be started in the near future.

Eight cities in China -- Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Wuhan, Nanchang, Changsha, and Macau -- have planned to start direct flights to Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi.

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