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Semarang opens gates to Great Sale 2017
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The Tugu Muda monument in Semarang, Central Java, commemorates Indonesia's struggle for independence. (Shutterstock/File)
G
ood news for shopaholics: The Semarang Great Sale (SEMARGRES) 2017 is currently ongoing from April 7 – May 7, offering discounts of up to 70%. Entering its seventh year, the event is attended by businesspeople and consumers from across the country.
During the opening event, a parade began at Semarang's town hall, proceeded to Pemuda Street, Imam Bonjol, Piere Tendean and ended back at the town hall.
Modern markets, street vendors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), hospitality businesses, fashion designers and socialites alike participated in the parade, where promotional offers for the event were announced.
Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi said the national-scale event was joined by businesspeople from all levels.
“There are approximately 2,000 tenants at this event, we’ve printed out four million coupons, and our targeted minimum revenue is Rp 200 billion. We also have two cars for a door prize [raffle],” says Prihadi.
(Read also: Mangrove tourism abundant in Semarang)
“The involvement of [state-owned railway operator] KAI and Garuda Indonesia definitely makes it easier for visitors to come to Semarang,” he added.
Also attending the event was the Ministry of Tourism’s deputy minister for domestic tourism marketing, Esthy Reko Astuti, who said SEMARGRES encouraged shopping trips by local and foreign tourists.
She also explained that the ministry was currently developing shopping trip programs by creating more shopping and culinary events. This year, the minister has set a target of welcoming 15 million local and foreign tourists, with 3.4 millions coming for shopping and culinary tours.
“Conventional media promotion like SEMARGRES is actually very good, because it combines the promotion of the products sold with the event,” she said.
She also praises the Semarang city council for including traditional market vendors and SMEs, “The event also has a direct impact for participating local street vendors and small enterprises,” said Astuti.
Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya also expressed his appreciation for SEMARGRES. “The SEMARGRES event is Semarang’s attraction as a destination to do shopping and explore local food. In the tourism business portfolio, it plays a huge role in attracting tourists,” explained Yahya. (asw)
