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Labuan Bajo aims to cap visitor numbers next month
Tourists will be charged a conservation fee of Rp 3.75 million to visit Labuan Bajo’s tourist hotspots in an effort expected to limit the number of visitors to some 200,000 a year.
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This undated photo shows Padar Island, which is located between the islands of Komodo and Rinca near Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. (Shutterstock/File)
T
he administration of East Nusa Tenggara has announced measures aimed at capping to 200,000 the number of annual visitors to two of the province's most prominent tourist attractions, namely the islands of Komodo and Padar in Labuan Bajo, as well as the surrounding waters.
The measure will come into effect on Aug. 1, Zet Sony Libing, who heads the East Nusa Tenggara Tourism Agency, announced at a press conference held by the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry on July 11.
The rule is motivated by environmental concerns, according to Carolina Noge, coordinating manager of the Komodo National Park conservation program.
“This program is based on research determining what measures we should take [for ecosystem conservation] in Komodo National Park,” Carolina said at the media briefing.
“Two universal values have to be conserved in Komodo National Park, namely the existence of endemic species and natural beauty. […] We detected changes in the behavior of the Komodo dragons. They are lacking alertness, they are more familiar with humans, and they are getting bigger. On average, they weigh 100 kilograms, whereas in their natural habitat, they are at most 80 kg,” said Lukita Awang, head of the Komodo National Park, at the conference.
Read also: ‘Endangered’ status should spur Komodo dragon protection: Activists
Carolina explained that the cap was to be achieved through charging visitors Rp 3.75 million (US$250) for an annual “conservation contribution”.
