RI's target for Chinese tourist arrival still low: diplomat

Antara ,  Beijing   |  Sun, 06/22/2008 5:49 PM  |  National

Indonesia's target of 300 thousand Chinese tourist arrivals is too low as China has a population of 1.2 billion people, says deputy chief of Mission for China Mohamad Oemar.

"The 300 thousand arrival target is still too low. The opportunity to increase the number of tourists visiting Indonesia is still wide open," the Indonesian diplomat said here on Sunday.

Mohamad said Indonesia, with its different tourist destinations, had the potential to attract more Chinese tourists.

A lot of promotional activities have been carried out by the government, the private sector and tourism operators to attract more Chinese visitors to Indonesia.

"All related parties are working hand-in-hand to promote Indonesia's tourism potential to the Chinese. The number of Chinese tourist arrivals in Indonesia will continue to increase from year to year," he said.

He said that the embassy in Beijing was tirelessly promoting Indonesia to the Chinese. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Culture had also invited local administrations in Indonesia to help promote their regions.

The Indonesian Embassy will also hold Indonesia Week in Wangfujing, Beijing, said Rosmalawati Khalid from the embassy here.

"Indonesia Week will be held in September 2008, around the same time as the Beijing Olympic Games," she said.(**)

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