Situated some 13 kilometers northeast of the provincial city of Manado, the Sam Ratulangi Airport serves as the main gateway to the Bunaken National Marine Park and other tourist attractions in the province.
The eastern Indonesian province of North Sulawesi has huge tourism potential and the already popular Bunaken marine tourism attraction.
According to Angkasa Pura-I General Manager Halendra Waworuntu, the Samrat airports management company has the moral responsibility to initiate tourism development programs in the province by providing training in foreign languages, including Mandarin, to the representatives of small and medium enterprises at the airport.
Waworuntu explained that the Samrat airport was ready to serve some 30 thousand Chinese tourists, who will visit North Sulawesi from July to October 2016.
"Some 30 thousand Chinese tourists are forecast to visit North Sulawesi from July to October this year, and the Sam Ratulangi airport is ready to serve them," he remarked in Manado recently.
Waworuntu reiterated that the airport was ready to serve and accommodate 30 thousand tourists from China, as starting July until October, some 315 round-trip flights will be operated from Manado to China.
"Thus, some 30 thousand tourists from China will visit North Sulawesi during the next four months," he noted, adding that the Manado-China route will be served by Citilink, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air.
Waworuntu said the North Sulawesi provincial city of Manado is popular among Chinese people, so they have high interest to visit the area, dubbed as "the Land of Swaying Coconuts."
Since Manado is popular among Chinese tourists, he highlighted the importance for the local community to master Mandarin language, so they can communicate with the tourists to make them feel at home.
By offering training to the representatives of small and medium enterprises at the Sam Ratulangi airport, Waworuntu expressed hope that they can communicate with Chinese tourists, although in simple sentences.
He explained that two months ago, some 47 people had received Mandarin language training, so they can welcome tourists from the "Bamboo Curtain country."
"I must admit that learning Mandarin is a bit difficult, so it needs to be done continuously," he explained.
However, he said, if they practice Mandarin language every day, they will certainly speak fluently in the long run.
As the interest of Chinese tourists visiting North Sulawesi is quite high, the local people are encouraged to understand and speak Mandarin language.
It is estimated that by year-end, around 30 thousand tourists from China will visit North Sulawesi, known as "The Land of Smiling People."
North Sulawesi is rich in culture, culinary delights, and beautiful landscapes.
The provincial city of Manado is probably best known as a stopover point for spectacular diving and snorkeling at the well-known Bunaken Marine Park.
Foreign tourists arriving in Manado will certainly enjoy every moment of their stay, as North Sulawesi is one of the newest developing destinations in Asia and offers a wide range of opportunities or recreational spots.
The activities range from world-class diving and snorkeling, to volcano trekking, whitewater rafting, and a variety of historic and cultural attractions to engage people of all ages.
In addition, the North Sulawesi provincial government will increase the number of tourism destinations to boost foreign tourist arrivals in the city of Manado.
North Sulawesi Culture and Tourism Office Head Happy Korah had stated in Manado that infrastructure and facilities at the tourism attractions in North Sulawesi should be improved to attract more visitors to the province.
Korah noted that beginning July until the end of the year, North Sulawesi would attract tens of thousands of Chinese tourists, who will arrive aboard chartered flights to the city of Manado and the surrounding areas.
Korah remarked that currently, Chinese tourists only visited five destinations: the city of Manado, Tomohon, Bitung, Minahasa district, and North Minahasa district.
"We added the fifth district, as the city is located in proximity and has huge tourism potential," Korah explained.
However, Korah affirmed that in future, the government will continue to increase the number of tourist destinations on the islands in North Sulawesi.
"The three districts of the North Sulawesi islands --- Sitaro, Sangihe, and Talaud --- are as attractive as the city of Manado and the surrounding areas," he pointed out.
Moreover, he emphasized that the districts of North Sulawesi and the surrounding small islands have huge potential in terms of marine tourism, which is nature-based, but are yet to be optimally explored.
The government hopes the community will support the arrival of foreign tourists, especially from China, and has welcomed tour operators to stay in Bumi Nyiur Melambai.
Some 30 thousand tourists from major cities in China, including Hong Kong, Chend Du, Changsha Beijing, Wuhan, Chongging Pudong, Guang Zhou, and Macau, are expected to visit North Sulawesi Province.(*)
Reporter: Otniel Tamindael
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
