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Middle Eastern tourism is growing in such importance that at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Indonesia’s Ministry of
Culture and Tourism will be using the occasion to announce the appointment of a Dubai-based tourism marketing agent to promote
tourism to Indonesia from the Middle East.
“With tourism representing the second largest source of foreign capital in Indonesia, and amounting to
9% of gross domestic
product, the Middle East has been pinpointed as a key growth area for increased inbound travellers,”
said the Ministry’s Director General of
Marketing, Dr. Sapta Nirwandar.
“2008 has been designated Visit Indonesia Year, designed to promote the very many and varied attractions throughout this beautiful
archipelago, after the country experienced a number of both natural and man-made crises in previous years,”
added Dr. Nirwandar. “As a
result of this campaign, and other increased promotional activities overseas, the Ministry is aiming to reach its target of attracting seven
million international visitors to Indonesia by the end of 2008.
“Indonesia has a wide variety of attractions to offer its Middle Eastern friends. Whether you are seeking a magical beach holiday in Bali, or
you wish to visit the wonders of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites at Borobudur Temple or Prambanan Temple in Java; or if it’s fantastic
shopping at great prices in Jakarta and Bandung that you want, or to play golf with no waiting and at attractive prices on international class
courses throughout the country; or perhaps you like to relax in marvellous spas with both traditional and international health and beauty
treatments,” he enthused. “All of these are in a safe, family-oriented environment. And as the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia also offers an
environment that is very hospitable and welcoming to those of the Islamic faith.”
To attract private sector investment in tourism development, the Indonesian government has adopted a fiscal incentives policy for
development projects such as hotels, tourist resorts, recreational parks, and convention facilities. Already, the government has
successfully targeted investors from the Middle East in particular, as the
number of UAE tourists visiting Indonesia has significantly increased with an annual growth rate of between 10 and 13%.
A series of special events is being put together for 2008 featuring a celebration of music, culture, arts, festivals, and sports competitions to
be held nationwide and throughout the year. It is anticipated that seasoned visitors will come to Indonesia during this year as they will have
the chance of a lifetime to witness spectacular events and enjoy an extraordinary experience.
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