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Banyuwangi to host eight festivals this April
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Green Bay in Banyuwangi is a lesser known tourist attraction that offers a picturesque view of the sea. (Shutterstock/File)
Banyuwangi in East Java will be hosting eight events throughout April in a bid to attract more tourists to the region.
Sports-related events are set to mark the first week of April, namely the Banyuwangi Underwater Festival from April 4 to 6, the Fishing Festival on April 7 and the Banyuwangi Ijen Green Run on April 8.
Banyuwangi Regent Abdulah Azwar Anas told tempo.co that the concept of sports tourism had its own market. According to the British Tourist Authority and the English Tourism Board, around 20 percent of the tourists who came to the United Kingdom were sports enthusiasts who either played sports or simply watched them.
"Of course, we will select which segment [of sports tourism] is suitable for Banyuwangi," said Anas on Tuesday.
The three-day Banyuwangi Underwater Festival, to be held at the maritime tourism area at Bangsring UnderWater, Wongsorejo district, is set to be enlivened by various activities, such as a 48-hour Nemo sighting expedition, an underwater Gandrung Dance and maritime education to canoe competitions, beach runs and underwater photography. "We will propose that the Nemo sighting expedition be acknowledged by the Indonesian Museum of Records," added Anas.
Read also: Interesting places to visit in Banyuwangi
The Fishing Festival on April 7, which will be held on the north side of Grand Watu Dodol Beach, will be contested by hundreds of anglers. Meanwhile, the Banyuwangi Ijen Green Run on April 8 is set to kick off at the Tamansari rest area in Licin district. "The trail run across the green and lush Mount Ijen area is not to be missed as it offers many splendid views," said Anas.
For culinary enthusiasts, Banyuwangi Kuliner on April 12 will offer a good excuse to pay the region a visit. A highlight of the event, to be held at Blambangan Park, is said to be ayam kesrut (a Banyuwangi-style chicken dish).
"The festival will be attended by leading chef Farah Quinn and it will also play host to the Banyuwangi Art Week from April 12 to 15, allowing visitors to taste traditional dishes while marveling at the art work of Banyuwangi’s children," said Anas.
Banyuwangi Culture and Tourism Agency head Yanuarto Bramuda said other events included A Week in Songgon from April 21 to 29, the Bekisar (wild madura cock) and Cat Contest on April 22, the Literature Festival on April 28 and 29 and the Clean River and Market Festival on April 29.
A Week in Songgon is inviting tourists to enjoy the rural atmosphere of Songgon, which is nestled at the foot of Mount Raung. "For one whole week, visitors can enjoy a series of attractions such as rafting in Kali Badeng, exploring the forest and its waterfall, a pine forest excursion, watching horse races and an archery competition," said Bramuda. (kes)
