1.5m tourists visit Bandung

Wed, 10/08/2008 10:26 AM  |  The Archipelago

BANDUNG, W. Java: At least 1.5 million holidaymakers from several regions in Indonesia spent their Idul Fitri holidays in Bandung, continuing the Rp 1.4 trillion (US$14 million) flow of money into the West Java provincial capital, the local tourism agency said Tuesday.

The head of the Bandung city tourism agency, Askary Wirantaatmadja, said the number of holidaymakers reached its peak during the three days before and after the Idul Fitri holiday, causing thick traffic jams in widely used streets and areas, such as Jl. Setiabudi, Jl. Cihampeulas, Cipaganti, Dago, Riau and Alun-Alun (the city square).

"All hotels in Bandung are fully booked," said Askary, adding there were 416 hotels in Bandung, which could accommodate a total of more than 12,500 guests.

Most of the tourists, 90 percent of whom came from Jakarta, visited Bandung for shopping and eating out.

Askary said the number of tourists who visited Bandung increased about 20 percent, compared with last year's Idul Fitri holiday. --JP

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