TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno provided a free internet access in Apar Village, North Pariaman, West Sumatra, for a year. It is aimed to support digital economy in tourism villages enlisted as big 50 in the Indonesian Tourism Village Award 2021 (ADWI 2021).

Sandiaga said that digitalization is one of the government's attempts in improving the capacity of tourist villages, so they will be able to compete and become sustainable. "Therefore, there would need an internet access or infrastructure in order to direct Apar tourism village to go digital," the minister said during his visit to the West Sumatra village on Friday, August 27.

Not only the internat connection, Sandiaga Uno also reminded the tourism village managers to improve their abilities in marketing, making interesting content, product packaging, and services for online tourism. Such as creative products, eco-friendly products, attractive photos and videos, as well as synergy in various matters to revive from the trying time of the pandemic.

The ministry is focusing on the development of tourism village to reach the goal that tourists will visit them after the Covid-19 pandemic can be contained. The free internet access is also available in Talao Pauh Village and surrounding the Gandoriah Beach; which include the parking area and main area.

Pariaman Mayor, Genius Umar said that Sandiaga Uno's visit also helped promote the region to the public. "We're committed to improving the tourism competency of Pariaman City as an effort to increase the economic growth of the people while still abiding by the health protocols," he said.

Read: Sandiaga Uno Introduces Virtual Tours of 10 Tourist Villages

Antara