Security a major issue in RI's tourism
JAKARTA (indo.com): Security will be a major issue in the
development of the tourism industry in Indonesia, a tourism
executive has said. The government's commitment to maintaining
security in the country is seen as an important indicator
for the progress or decline of tourism industry.
Indonesia will remain attractive to foreign visitors as
long as security is fully guaranteed, said H. Bachtiar Manaba,
chairman of the South Sulawesi Chapter of the Indonesia
Travel Bureau Association (ASITA).
Travelers from European countries, especially Holland,
Germany and France are likely to be less affected by the
global economic slowdown because they have a habit of
saving for their twilight years.
"The mobility of traveling, exploring corners of
the world by the middle downward groups will remain high
in 2002," he said, adding that the guaranteed security
and political stability will be the key to the good prospect
for tourism industry in Indonesia in 2002.
He also appealed to the power holders in the regions
with autonomy to be wise in setting entry tariff policies
because they might affect the number of visitors coming
to the country.
The number of visitors is expected to increase in 2002.
Nationally, he said, Indonesia's tourism destinations,
like Lake Toba, Bali, Bunaken in North Sulawesi and Toraja
in South Sulawesi will not be significantly affected by
recession or security conditions. The national tourism
prospects for 2002 will be bright as long as the government
is serious in handling security issues, Antara reported.
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