TEMPO.CO, Palembang- South Sumatra plans to establish a tourism board to boost tourist arrival as its tourism has been left behind by those of other regions in Sumatra, Nusa Tenggara as well as Bali.

South Sumatra Tourism Department head Irene Camelyn Sinaga said that the agency will be filled with local and national tourism practitioners. “It will be tasked with making innovation [and encouraging] creativity in the development of South Sumatra tourism,” Irene said, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

The tourism board would likely be comprised of tourism paractitioners such as those of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association, Indonesia Travel Bureau Association, Garuda Indonesia Airlines and any other parties who could help improve tourist attractions.

South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin has expressed his wish that South Sumatra would see rapid development in tourism to attract more tourists. According to him, the region comprising of 17 regents and cities has a myriad of tourist attractions, from megalithic and prehistoric sites in Lahat District, to Pagaralam, to Empat Lawang.

However, poor promotional efforts have hindered the popularity the attractions. “We have many tourist destinations, but they have been underdeveloped,” Alex said.

In addition, he will also tout Jakabaring Sport City. After the construction of the light rail transit, South Sumatra would have an adequate mode of transport to support its tourist destinations. “If we can develop a tourist destination, it could become a strategic project.”

PARLIZA HENDRAWAN