Banyuwangi District Head Abdullah Azwar Anas stated on Wednesday that the market will be integrated with a bus terminal and lodging facilities to cater to the needs of local and foreign tourists.
"We expect this market to be the main destination for tourists looking for Banyuwangis typical souvenirs and items. Using the same concept as Thailands Chatuchak market, which is segmented for tourists, we are trying to develop this market using a new design that will combine a tourist terminal and lodging facilities," Anas noted.
The bus terminal will serve as a transportation hub for tourists keen on visiting other tourist sites in Banyuwangi, while merchants in the public market will sell various items, such as "batik" traditional fabric, crafts, souvenirs, and also daily food items.
In a bid to create a tourism ecosystem, Anas expects the modern-go green market, designed by national architect Andra Matin, to be opened to the public by the end of 2017 or in early 2018.
The market has two main four-floor buildings; a parking area, with a capacity for 200 vehicles; prayer room; offices for travel agents; and a Tourist Information Center.
The modern market, which costs Rp27 billion, has been developed since 2015 using funds from Banyuwangis budget, and currently, 60 percent of the construction work is complete.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
