TEMPO.CO, Labuan Bajo - The Komodo National Park is targeting to book Rp17 billion in non-tax revenues from ecotourism activities this year. The park's management is hoping that the upcoming peak season for foreign tourist arrivals will help achieve that goal.

"We are confident of being able to achieve the target as we have not entered the peak seasons for foreign tourist [arrivals]. Usually from October to February many cruise ships come here," Head of the Komodo National Park, Helmi, said on Monday August 31.

According to Helmi, in 2013 the Park booked Rp4.4 billion in non-tax revenues. The number increased to Rp5.4 billion last year. "As of August 24 this year, our non-tax revenue had reached Rp11.6 billion," he said.

Helmi said that the rupiah depreciation had not resulted in a tourist visit decline.

He assumed that the number of visitors continues to rise after the Komodo National Park was named as one of "The New 7 Wonders of Nature" in 2013.

"With the title, more domestic and foreign tourists want to visit the Park," he said.

As of June this year, 34,218 foreign tourists and 8,365 domestic had visited the park. With every tourist spending an average of Rp3.5 million per visit, Helmi said the tourism industry has contributed greatly to the local economy.

GANGSAR PARIKESIT | PRIBADI WICAKSONO (YOGYAKARTA)