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Indonesia strengthens tourism promotion in New Zealand
Wonderful Indonesia Generation (GenWI), an initiative overseen by the Tourism Ministry, now boasts a branch in New Zealand.
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According to data from the ministry, the number of tourists from New Zealand visiting Indonesia had reached 125,000 people as of August, an increase of almost 100 percent from the same period last year. (Shutterstock/File)
T
he Indonesian community in New Zealand launched Wonderful Indonesia Generation (GenWI), an initiative overseen by the Tourism Ministry, over the weekend.
Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand Tantowi Yahya expressed support for GenWI at the launch on Saturday. The initiative encourages the local Indonesian diaspora, which also includes students studying in the country, to promote Indonesian tourism.
Tantowi also urged the community to support the government's goal to attract 20 million tourists by 2019.
"I see this as a good initiative because it involves our community abroad, which has been wanting to participate in the development of the nation. GenWI is channeling that desire," Tantowi said, as quoted by kompas.com.
[RAPi and GenWI help propel Indonesia as world’s best destination::http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/11/04/genpi-and-genwi-help-propel-indonesia-as-worlds-best-destination.html]
The ministry's expert staff member, Don Suhardono, who represented Minister Arief Yahya at the event, expressed his appreciation for the support in the establishment of GenWI in New Zealand. Don said the community had also established branches in other countries, including Japan, South Korea, India, China, Malaysia and Thailand.
"The country needs help from all of you. Indonesia has many advantages compared to other countries. Not only is the nature beautiful but the culture and cuisine are also very attractive to tourists," Don said.
Ibnu Sitompul, head of the Indonesian Students Association (PPI) in New Zealand, said the presence of students abroad was not just to learn and study but also help the government in many ways, including cultural promotion and tourism.
According to data from the ministry, the number of tourists from New Zealand visiting Indonesia had reached 125,000 people as of August, an increase of almost 100 percent from the same period last year.
One of the reasons for the growth was increasing connectivity, with direct flights from Auckland to Denpasar available every day served by Emirates and four times a week by Air New Zealand. (liz/mut)
