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West Nusa Tenggara halal destinations promoted at annual event
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Foreign tourists enjoy a coastal view in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. (Shutterstock/File)
M
ataram in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) hosted the International Halal Travel Fair (IHTF) for the second time on Friday at the Islamic Center NTB Ballroom.
Initiated by NTB Tourism Agency in collaboration with the province's Indonesian Tourism Players Association (ASPPI), the event was reportedly joined by 260 buyers and 60 sellers.
"Last year the event was joined by only 90 buyers; this year it features 260 buyers from 18 countries," the agency head Lalu Mohammad Faozal told The Jakarta Post in Mataram on Friday.
Among the foreign buyers who attended the event were travel agents from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, India, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
IHTF has been included in NTB's annual tourism agenda as part of an effort to promote and market the region's Muslim-friendly tourist destinations since last year.
Mubarok Muslim Tour and Travel director Inne Hilfiana said NTB and especially Lombok had attracted many Middle Eastern tourists following its designation as a halal destination.
Read also: Aceh highlights traditional cuisine to promote halal tourism
"Previously Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern tourists preferred to travel to Bandung or Bogor. But these past two years they have opted for Lombok," said Inne, adding that her company had so far arranged trips to Gili Trawangan in North Lombok and Sembalun area in East Lombok.
"Beforehand we usually searched for destinations on the internet. Thanks to IHTF, we can now directly communicate with local travel agents, allowing us to market more destinations," she said.
Meanwhile, Arista Indonesia Aviation Center (AIAC) CEO Arista Atmadjati said accessibility was important to boost tourism in Lombok and Sumbawa.
"Lombok has gorgeous beaches and natural scenery. It is also home to a rich culture, and has become a halal tourism icon. But [the infrastructure] has to continue to develop, including accessibility," said Arista.
She said the number of direct international flights servicing Lombok International Airport needed to be increased as it was currently only serviced by AirAsia and Silk Air flights from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively. She also suggested that NTB copy the charter flight concept that had been applied in Manado, North Sulawesi, which improved access for those coming from eight cities in China. (kes)
