"Indonesia has set the target of attracting at least 2.1 million European tourists to Indonesia," Deputy Assistant of Europe, Middle East, America and Africa Market Development of the Tourism Ministry Nia Niscaya said here Monday.
Pointing out that the travel fair will be held in Finland, Niscaya stated the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, offered great potentials for the countrys tourism industry.
In 2015, the official data showed that as many as 98,960 tourists from the Nordic countries had visited Indonesia.
"The number is predicted to be more in 2016, as until October itself, the number of tourists from the Nordic nations visiting Indonesia had reached 95,196," Niscaya revealed.
During the largest travel exhibition in Northern Europe, Indonesia will showcase several industries that will present and promote the countrys tourism potential at the Pavilion Indonesia booth.
Several Indonesian traditional dances will also be performed during the travel fair. Visitors would also be invited to taste Indonesias traditional drink in the exhibition booth, Niscaya mentioned.
"Using the tagline Wonderful Indonesia Explore Further, we want to showcase its biodiversity, unique handicrafts, music, variety of culinary delights, tourism destinations and most importantly, its diversity and the hospitality of the people," Niscaya explained.
The government of Indonesia has set a target of increasing the number of tourist visits from 9.5 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2019.
The country has also developed 10 prioritized destinations, namely Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Tanjung Kelayang in Belitung, Mandalika in South Lombok, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi, Morotai in North Maluku, Seribu Islands in Jakarta, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mount Bromo in East Java, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.
The government has also provided short stay free visa on arrival for tourists from 169 countries, including Finland, to increase the number of tourist visits.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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