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Launching a travel pattern for Catholic religious tourism on Flores Island
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T
he Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority Agency (BPOLBF), in collaboration with the Ruteng Diocese, Ende Archdiocese, Maumere Diocese, Larantuka Diocese and several local tourism offices, has launched a travel pattern for Catholic religious tourism in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara.
The travel pattern, which is expected to serve as a guide for pilgrims to explore the religious heritage of Flores Island, is the result of webinars and focus group discussions on the theme of “Potential and Strategy for Developing Catholic Religious Tourism on Flores Island”, held on May 17 and July 5. The overall goal of the meetings was to establish Flores Island as a premier Catholic pilgrimage destination in Indonesia.
Frans Teguh, acting president director of the BPOLBF, stated that the creation of the Catholic religious tourism travel pattern was one way to promote deeper experiences for tourists by providing information about sites other than nature and culture-based destinations. Catholic pilgrimages can be the main attraction for tourists, providing a spiritual experience and an introduction to the traditions of the Catholic Church on Flores Island.
"We hope that Catholic religious tourism in Flores will enrich visitors’ experiences after they visit the natural and cultural attractions that Flores Island is already famous for. Our aim is to promote high-quality sustainable tourism while considering future tourism trends. By increasing the attractiveness of Flores as a site of Catholic pilgrimage, we can strengthen the cultural and spiritual identity of the island," said Frans.
"The launch of the Catholic tourism pattern coincides with the Commemoration of World Tourism Day 2024. This moment celebrates the beauty of tourism while emphasizing the importance of spirituality along our journey," continued Frans.
Meanwhile, Father Yakobus Donnisius Migo, secretary of the Maumere Diocese and director of the Polytechnic Cristo Re Maumere, expressed his great hope that this initiative would help share the wealth of faith and traditions on Flores Island.
"On behalf of the Maumere Diocese, I greatly appreciate the collaboration that has led to the launch of the travel pattern for Catholic religious tourism in Flores. Religious tourism invites us to enjoy the beauty of nature while reflecting on the meaning of life and deepening our relationship with God. My hope is that this initiative will facilitate a profound spiritual experience for every pilgrim while supporting the local economy. Let us welcome the pilgrims with hospitality and open our hearts to share love and togetherness," said Donnisius.
Ivan Botha, head of the Ngada tourism office, also expressed his hope for the collaboration as a significant step in introducing the cultural and spiritual heritage of Flores Island.
"As the head of the Ngada Tourism Office, which is also part of the Ende Archdiocese, I am excited for a new vision of Catholic religious tourism on Flores Island. This initiative and collaboration are significant steps toward introducing the cultural and spiritual wealth of our region to the world. Let us together promote Flores as an inspiring Catholic religious tourism destination, creating unforgettable experiences for every pilgrim," said Ivan.
The launch of the religious tourism pattern is conducted through the BPOLBF's social media (Instagram: @bpolbf, Facebook: BPO Labuan Bajo Flores), in collaboration with the social media of the tourism office and various dioceses across Flores Island, the BPOLBF's website, the BPOLBF call center and the tourist information center (TIC) located at the BPOLBF office, ensuring easy access for pilgrims and tourists.
This pattern can also be accessed through this link, on the BPOLBF website’s Information Submenu, or by contacting the BPOLBF call center (+62 811-3879-4555). The barcode is also available at the TIC BPOLBF office (Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 88, Labuan Bajo).
The travel pattern of Catholic religious tourism in Flores Island features 54 locations including churches, chapels, grottoes, prayer gardens, historical religious sites and retreat houses scattered across Western, Central and Eastern Flores.
Sisilia Lenita Jemana
Head of Public Communication Division Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority Agency
