I refer to an article titled “Save tourism in Thousand Islands: Workshop,” (www.thejakartapost.com, Jan. 19).

Before blaming “accessibility and marketing” for the decline in numbers of visitors — particularly those electing to use resorts’ accommodation facilities — operators of Thousand Island Resorts would be wise to do some personal “soul searching” to determine if, in fact, they are to blame for drop in visitor numbers.

If they maintain effective guest records, these would almost certainly display virtually no repeat overnight or long-stay guests. When I arrived in Jakarta some 15 months ago following almost two years as general manager of a boutique dive resort in North Sulawesi – and chairman of North Sulawesi Tourism Organization, I felt it would be excellent to head to the Thousand Islands for a weekend break to discover first-hand what this area offered tourists.

A visit to the Jakarta Tourism Information Centre in Djakarta Theatre building (on Jl. Thamrin) opposite Sarinah was of little use. The helpful staff had virtually no resource materials on the Thousand Islands and could give me a brochure on just one resort (and this, from the prices quoted in it, was several years out of date).

I then went to tripadvisor.com on the Internet to gauge from reports posted on Thousand Islands, which island/resort would best suit my requirements. Sadly, of the many reports posted, there was not even one which had anything complimentary to say (apart from the fact that this region has huge tourism potential).

The problems experienced by visitors embraced — poor quality and badly-maintained resorts, low standards of housekeeping, untrained staff in all areas of the resorts’ operations and beaches littered with rubbish both in and out of the water. Needless to say, I have not yet visited the Thousand Islands.

I wonder how many resort operators or government tourism officials take the time to read tripadvisor.com or similar sites to see first-hand just how visitors feel about their region and their respective resorts.

The fastest boats, air services and even the most effective promotional campaign will not help in the long term if, when visitors arrive, they are met with an air of indifference, poor service and substandard accommodation and facilities.

Don’t blame the tsunami, “Asian crisis” or any other outside influence — look at what you are offering visitors. Bali is achieving record arrival numbers right now — both international and domestic, while resorts are either winding back or closing on Thousand Islands. What should be the “jewel in the crown” of Jakarta’s marine tourism, Thousand Islands, could best be described as “an embarrassment”.

Jakarta has an untapped expatriate workforce who is clamoring to find a place close to Jakarta to which they can “escape the city” and which offers standards of accommodation, facilities, food and beverage and service commensurate with what is available at other tourism destinations. I should be delighted to meet with tourism agency management and resort owners/operators at any time to discuss the area’s potential.

Les Williams
Jakarta

Popular

PDI-P will likely be part of opposition: Ganjar

Indonesia one step from Olympics after beating South Korea

Bahlil leads task force to boost sugar, bioethanol production in Papua