TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government was drafting an integrated tourism master plan (ITMP) for Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as the tourist destination will host major international agendas such as G20 Summit in 2023 and the ASEAN Summit.

“The supply and demand must be matched, and it is necessary to have clear and measurable targets, breakdown the work, and a clear timeline to develop the ITMP,” said the Tourism and Creative Economy Deputy Minister, Angela Tanoesoedibjo, in her statement on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Angela expected the master plan to be drafted carefully and with considerations of the region’s uniqueness and existing market potentials, both domestic and international. The development was also hoped to follow the post-pandemic tourism trend.

The government planned to make the tourist site as a pilot project in a center of safety development that would support the needs of the community and tourists in terms of safety and security. A plastic waste management program would also be established based on the ministerial regulation No. 5 of 2020.

“We believe that East Nusa Tenggara can become a world-class dream destination that is safe and convenient to visit,” she remarked, adding that it would boost foreign exchange, the community economy, and open employment.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat said sustainable tourism could be realized so long it brings positive impacts on the society. Thus the development of premium tourism and the creative economy in Labuan Bajo must be community-based program.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA