TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wishnutama Kusubandio revealed his strategy to boost the visitation of international tourists. One of the actions he pitched is by improving the quality of regional culinary services.

“Residents will improve the quality of their dishes so that it can [attract tourists]. This will adopt a creative approach,” said Wishnutama at the Tourism Ministry Headquarters on Wednesday, October 23.

The professional-turned-State Minister said culinary can be part of the attraction of a tourist destination, which can be used as a marketing strategy. He argues that Indonesia’s culinary affluence can be potentially turned into an attraction to boost tourist visitations.

Wishnutama gave examples of international cities that have marketed its culinary features as a means to attract tourists such as Melbourne, Boston, New York, and Thailand.

“Tourists will experience something different apart from a region’s infrastructure. That is what we can offer from the culinary segment,” said Wishnutama.

The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has named five tourist destinations in Indonesia that will be subject to specific development in the culinary sector which comprises Bali, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Semarang.

BRAM SETIAWAN