The standard for sustainable tourist destination used by the ministry has been recognized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and adopted from the GTSC.
he Tourism Ministry is set to hold the first Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Awards (ISTA) that will recognize destinations in Indonesia that have shown good progress and results following the implementation of sustainable tourism principles.
Themed "People and Nature Based Tourism", ISTA 2017 is said to target tourist village managers, Destination Management Organization, Technical Managing Unity (UPTD), Tourism Authority Boards (BOP), foundations and Limited Companies (PT).
The award itself will be divided into four categories, namely tourist destination management, economic utilization for local people, cultural preservation for the public and visitors and environmental preservation.
One destination with the highest score from all categories will be chosen as the top winner.
The assessment criteria will be based on the ministry regulation No. 14/2016 on the guidelines for sustainable tourist destinations in Indonesia.
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The standard for sustainable tourist destination used by the ministry has been recognized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and adopted from the GTSC.
The ISTA assessment will include administrative selection, desk evaluation and direct visit.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said with the abundance of nature and cultural resources, Indonesia has a huge chance to compete in the international level.
“I can’t imagine this country winning in manufacturing, but we can be the winner in tourism or at least we can envision this country winning it. If you can imagine it, you can reach it,” said Arief.
Winners of ISTA 2017 will be announced on Sept. 29 at the Tourism Destination Appreciation (APDI) 2017 event that will be held to commemorate World Tourism Day. The winners will later become Indonesian candidates for ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA). (kes)
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