Jakarta looks to build Mid East tourism links

A high profile delegation from Jakarta, led by Mrs Aurora Tambunan, Executive Director, Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, is visiting Arabian Travel Market and meeting with key regional tourism players, including the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.

"We are also meeting a number of tourism boards and private industry players from within the region," said Tambunan.
"Our aim is to create awareness of Jakarta as a mainline destination from the Middle East and to initiate mutual co-operation in building the tourism sector which is now a strategic economic segment."

Jakarta's mission to Arabian Travel Market is this year being supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Indonesia Culture and Tourism Board, tourism industry players and the provincial government.

The Indonesian pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2003 is themed around 'Marine Tourism Year.' The pavilion has been designed along the lines of the Phinisi - a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel.

In line with the theme a number of high quality marine tourism products have been created," said Tambunan. "Jakarta, for instance, as the capital and main gate to Indonesia, is highlighting tourism to the Seribu Islands, which is famed for its diving, snorkelling, fishing and yachting."

Some 74.4% of Indonesia's total area is made up of ocean and the country is rich in marine resources. A number of marine tourism events will be held in Indonesia this year including surfing competitions, diving, traditional vessels races and seminars on marine tourism.

"But marine tourism is not the only segment to be promoted - other competitive tourism products, such as shopping, eco-nature tourism, culture and heritage are also being offered to the Middle East market," said Tambunan.

Jakarta believes that international tourism players now need to step up their creativity to combat the challenges the global industry has faced from terrorism, war and disease.

"Actively participating in international tourism events, such as Arabian Travel Market and improving international business
co-operation and alliances are ways in which we can assist the industry in recovering," said Tambunan.

"All nations should work hand-in-hand to create global business opportunities and to anticipate external incidents which could hamper the tourism environment. Regional crises influence world tourism and affect not only small nations. International alliances and support would reduce global tension and help normalise the tourism industry."

Tambunan said creativity in the tourism sector is needed as the industry is now a strategic economic factor.

"We have learnt from the Bali tragedy that the industry needs to develop an international crisis centre to offset the negative effects of challenges facing the global tourism industry. It is necessary for all nations to work hand-in-hand to overcome these crises. We cannot be introvert and develop counter-productive policies, which will hamper the speed of recovery or even create other complications.

"In this regard, the government of Indonesia is working to develop policies which will encourage and facilitate business partnerships and global synergies which will help regain international trust and reactivate tourism activities worldwide."