Tourism Sector Targeted to Rise 10-20 Percent in 2014
7 February 2014 09:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu is optimistic that Indonesia's tourism sector will increase 10-20 percent. According to her, in 2013, tourism sector generated income of US$10.5 billion or has increased 10.23 percent.
"Tourism industry’s target is medium-term. Even though the increase in 2013 was not as significant compared to it in 2012, I am optimistic that in 2014, it will rise 10-20 percent," Mari said yesterday.
In 2013, foreign tourist visits to Indonesia are 8.8 million, surpassing the targeted 8.6 million, which was 9.42 percent rise of that in 2012.
Mari said the number of foreign tourists will rise to 9-9.5 million. In orrder to achieve the target, several crucial steps must be taken. Provision of infrastructures that support tourism industry growth is one example. In order to realize that porgram, the Ministry of Tourism will coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works to improve prioritized infrastructures. "There will be airports in eastern regions of Indonesia, such as Toraja and Flores," Mari said.
Other than that, sea transportation sector will also be improved by increasing the capacity of seven seaports in Indonesia for cruise tours. Lombok as one of the main tourist destinations will have lane construction project developed to connect the southern Lombok beach from Mengaki to Tanjung Ringgit. "Tourism will develop if beaches in southern Lombok are connected. So, there will be new tourist attractions besides Senggigi and Rinjani, " said Minister Mari.
Accor Group’s head of hospitality industry development, Rio Kondo, said hospitality industry growth will follow the development of tourism industry. He is optimistic that hospitality industry growth will increase in 2014.
NURUL MAHMUDAH