“This award has three meanings, which I often describe as the three ‘Cs’, which is increasing our confidence as a nation; raising our credibility as a country; and serving as a calibration to picture the greatness of the Wonderful Indonesia [brand]. Based on a global-scale standard, it turns out that we can still compete,” said Tourism Ministry Arief Yahya in a press release as quoted by kompas.com.

Read also: Indonesia wins destination of the year at TTG Travel Awards 2017

Among the categories where Indonesia shone were "Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction", won by Lintang Buana Tourism Services for its surfing activity in Gumuk Pasir, Bantul, Yogyakarta; "Best ASEAN Tourism Photo", won by Agung Parameswara for his photo "Upacara Melasti" (Melasti Ceremony) photo; and "Best ASEAN Airlines Program", won by Garuda Indonesia for its Ayo Liburan (Let's Vacation) program. (rzf/kes)

Additionally, Indonesia was also awarded 15 titles at another event, titled the ASEAN Tourism Awards. Below is the list of winners:

ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Category

•     Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta
•     Prime Plaza Hotel
•     The Dharmawangsa Jakarta
•     Melia Purosani Yogyakarta
•     Turi Beach Resort Batam

ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Category

•     Bali Nusa Dua Hotel
•     Raffles Jakarta
•     Four Season Hotel Jakarta
•     The Trans Resort Bali
•     Ayana Midplaza Jakarta

ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Category

•     Bandung
•     Surabaya
•     Banyuwangi

ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Category

•     Desa Wisata Nglanggeran, Yogyakarta
•     The Nusa Dua, Bali

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