TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Managers of Gua Pindul, or Pindul Cave, located in Gunungkidul, are targeting international recognition and increased international visitors by the end of the year.
Tourism manager Subagyo told Tempo that he and his people plan to achieve this target by promoting and introducing the cave in Asia.
"We will work together with travel agencies in Yogyakarta," he said.
Aside from that, managers have allocated funds to bring in English teachers to the region and train 200 tour guides in the basics of the language.
"Currently, 30 percent of our guides can speak English, yet only eight are proficient. We are targeting a total of 20 to 25 people at the least," he said.
Head of tourism management at the Gunungkidul Tourism and Culture Department, Yunus Hanafi, said that Gua Pindul is one of the locations included in its international package, considering its potential.
"Gua Pindul will be promoted by the government in Korea this week," said Yunus.
PRIBADI WICAKSONO
