4 Factors That Support Tourist Visit Growth in Labuan Bajo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of foreign and domestic tourists arrivals in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) gradually increased over the past few years. The figure exceeded the target set in the Regional Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMD).

In 2017, the tourists visit NTT especially to Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo, reached some 1 million tourists, compared to that in 2016 at 745,851 people. There were many factors in the increasing number of tourists.

1. Komodo airport

Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo was inaugurated by President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo in 2015. Two to three flights from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo were opened after then. The Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Association (Asita) chairman for NTT Abed Frans expressed optimism that flight services Jakarta-Labuan Bajo as well as from other regions boost the tourist visits to NTT, especially to Labuan Bajo.

2. 3G and 4G services

Up to date, almost all tourist areas in NTT have 3G and 4G networks to support tourism services. NTT Tourism Agency head Marius A Jelamu said internet promotions highly contributed the hike of tourist visits since tourists could directly upload the destinations on social media to be watched widely.

3. Sail Komodo Event

Since 2013, the Indonesian government through Tourism Ministry established the largest maritime tourism event dubbed Sail Komodo as an attempt of tourism promotion. The event did not only increase the tourist arrivals, but also the root of the Komodo National Park (KNP) to be listed in the world’s seven wonders.

4. Synergy with other tourist destinations

Natural wonders, cultures, and megalithic tomb in Sumba Island is also one of tourist destinations in NTT. Other than Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island, famous tourism destinations in NTT are Pede Beach, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Rinca Island, Batu Cermin Cave, Ular (snake) Palace, and Sanonggoang Lake.

ANTARA