Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Hundreds of tourists from 12 countries have made reservations in star-rated hotels in Palembang to watch the total solar eclipse (TSE) that will occur on March 9, 2016.

The tourists wanted to observe the rare and spectacular natural phenomenon from Ampera Bridge, Chairman of the south Sumatra Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners (PHRI) Herlan Aspiudin said here, Wednesday.

The citys iconic Ampera Bridge, will remain closed for public vehicles on the day of the eclipse, facilitating the pedestrians to observe the total solar eclipse from the vantage point on the bridge freely and clearly.

The tourists are from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, France, and Britain, in addition to Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, and the United States, among others.

The local hotels have made preparations to meet their demands among other things concerning certain kinds of food and vehicles.

The provinces PHRI and tourism office have intensified the promotion to attract foreign tourists to visit South Sumatra using the momentum of the TSE.

The last total solar eclipse occurred in Indonesia in 1988. But the TSE that will happen on March 9, 2016, is predicted to return in the next 100 years.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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