Flores Island Aims to Become Indonesia's Catholic Tourism Destination

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board (BPOLBF) is keen to make Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara as a main destination for Catholic religious tourism in Indonesia.

"Flores boasts strong cultural and religious potential that has long been established and popular," said Frans Teguh, acting chair of BPOLBF, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

He emphasized collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ende Archdiocese, other local dioceses, and tourism offices across Flores Island's nine districts, to support this initiative.

One such collaborative effort was a virtual focus group discussion (FGD) held on July 5th. Titled "Potential and Strategy for the Catholic Religious Tourism Development on Flores Island," the FGD aimed to generate concrete plans for boosting the island's appeal to Catholic pilgrims.

Teguh remarked that religious tourism enriches the tourists' spiritual experience and positively impacts local economic growth and community welfare.

The FGD was held to facilitate cross-stakeholder communication in developing centers for religious tourism activities and creating a model for managing religious tourism destinations on the island.

The forum participants also discussed ways to promote an integrated religious tourism route, trip, or map and approaches to developing religious festivals on a national and international scale.

"BPOLBF held this FGD so that all key stakeholders, represented by the dioceses on Flores Island, can provide motivation and spiritual values while continuing to maintain the values of conservation, socio-culture, and holistic tourism," Teguh said.

Flores has a longstanding Catholic history and heritage, intertwined with local culture and customs. The island is home to no less than 2,710 Catholic churches.

ANTARA

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