Bangka Belitung governor granted tourism award

Bangka Belitung Governor Eko Maulana Ali has been granted the Best Achievement Award in the provincial category by the Travel Club Tourism Award on Saturday.

He was considered successful in developing tourism in his province.

The province was used as a location in the filming of blockbuster Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warrior), a movie adaption of the novel.

“The contribution of the tourism sector to the provincial income has increased from less than 2 percent to 5 percent within three years,” city spokesman Tajuddin said Saturday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

He said he expected the award could encourage people and administration officials to turn tourism into a major contributor to the province's economy, to rival the province's long-time business darling of mining.

“The governor only represents the people of Bangka Belitung in receiving the award. It is an award for all the people of Bangka Belitung,” he said.