2011 tourism theme focused on eco-cultural

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s tourism is to be promoted in 2011 with emphasis on the country’s eco-cultural attractions in the hope it can draw 7.3-7.6 million foreign visitors, a tourism ministry official said.

“After considering various factors, we have decided to promote the country’s eco-cultural’s attractions in 2011,” Esty Reko Astuty, director of promotions at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said here Monday as reported by kompas.com.

One premier tourist destination to be promoted by the ministry next year will be Komodo National Park in West Nusa Tenggara, which was a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.

The result of the New 7 Wonders of Nature selection process will be announced on Nov. 21 next year, and therefore it has been considered appropriate to emphasize nature tourism, including Komodo National Park, in 2011, she added.

“Environmental issues, including climate change, will be raised under the ‘eco-cultural’ theme,” Esthy said.

Eco-friendly tourism, she added, was selected due to the tourism paradigm switch from mass tours to alternative traveling related to environmental sustainability.

“Moreover, the ministry will also establish a program to visit museums and we expect the program could be accommodated under the eco-cultural theme,” she said.

Esthy added that the theme would also provide space for Indonesia tourism, which is eco-friendly and shows cultural values. — JP