Apindo on Tourism: We Do More Branding Rather than Selling
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
Apindo Chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani (4/17). ANTARA/Widodo S. Jusuf
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) argues that the tourism sector`s potential has yet been maximized by the Indonesian government, even though this sector houses a huge potential to be the country`s main income source.
Apindo Chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani said that the government has worked admirably in utilizing the ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ tagline. However, he said that the brand has realistically resulted in nothing.
“It has always been more about branding rather than selling, which does not create transactions. The government must be brave enough to convert that,” said Hariyadi in Jakarta today.
Even though Hariyadi realizes that this year’s numerous natural disasters have affected the country’s income and tourism, he maintains that the government must work harder to awaken its tourism sector.
Apindo suggested that the government must develop regional creativities by optimizing central and regional funds to help develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and globally market their products.