"The participants of Sail Indonesia from Australia have arrived in Kupang since yesterday, and there will be some more tomorrow," Head of the East Nusa Tenggara Tourism and Creative Economic Office Marius Ardu Jelamu said here, Wednesday.
Some 150 people aboard 50 yachts have departed from Australia to join Sail Indonesia, he stated.
"Yesterday, we greeted them in Koepan beach, Kupang, and they will stay in Kupang for several days, before proceeding to other tourist destinations in NTT," he added.
They will leave Kupang on August 2, for Labuan Bajo, Sumba Island, Alor, Rote, North Timor Tengah, Lembata, and several other resorts.
"So, the tourists will go to Rote for surfing, Alor for diving, Labuan Bajo for Komodo, and see several other beaches and culture in various regions," he remarked.
Paul and Sue Burlinson, among the participants, said from Kupang they will go to Wini, North Timor Tengah District.
This is the second visit to NTT for the Burlinson family.
"The culture of NTT people is very unique. They are always friendly and welcome every visitor," Sue said.
The arrival of more than 100 foreign tourists is expected to help boost the tourism industry in NTT, Jelamu said.
The tourism office has coordinated with travel bureaus involved in Sail Indonesia, to guide the tourists to visit a trade and handicraft exhibition being held in Kupang.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
