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Home to South Sea pearls, Lombok encouraged to sell educational tourism
Due to a lack of promotion, innovation and creativity in marketing, the pearl business in the region is slowly grinding to a halt.
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Natural South Sea pearls (Shutterstock/Plamen Galabov)
F
amous as the producer of high-quality mutiara Laut Selatan (South Sea pearl) in Indonesia, Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has been called on to develop educational tourism on pearls.
"Dubbed Lombok Pearl, educational tourism can help boost Lombok as a destination and rebrand pearls as a tourism icon," the head of public relations and socialization at Indonesia Tourism Players (IPI) in NTB, Gede Gunanta, recently told The Jakarta Post.
Under former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, pearls were designated as the icons of Lombok tourism, marked by International Pearls Auction Pearl Queen Contest events that were held between 2009 and 2012.
However, due to a lack of promotion, innovation and creativity in marketing, the pearl business in the region is slowly grinding to a halt.
Read also: West Nusa Tenggara denies reports of canceled cruises to Lombok
"In the old days, tourists who came to Lombok would always shop for pearls. However, it seems that this icon is no longer popular," added Gede.
The proposed concept of a Lombok Pearl educational tourist destination includes an area that will combine Mandalika Beach with the South Sea pearl cultivation process -- from seeding to displaying them in a gallery.
The province is said to have already brought in experts on pearl cultivation. It has also formed partnerships with Japanese and Australian companies.
"We have sent our proposal [to the related parties]," said Gede. (kes)
