The event in Sabang is expected to attract tourists not only to Sabang but also to Banda Aceh."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Sail Sabang 2017 is expected to attract some 100 yachts to participate in an international yacht rally to be held in the western tip of Indonesia in Sabang, Aceh.

"Last year, some 30 yachts had participated in the event. We hope to attract some 100 yachts in the next event," Sabang Mayor Zulkifli Adam stated after attending a meeting on Sail Sabang 2017 here, Wednesday.

The international event is expected to attract yachters from Singapore, Europe, Australia, Langkawi in Malaysia, and Phuket in Thailand.

The event will also promote Sabang as one of the main maritime tourism destinations, he noted.

"Sabang also offers several tourism events," Adam remarked.

Meanwhile, deputy for the tourism industry and destination at the Tourism Ministry Dadang Rizki Ratman stated that the sailing event was part of the efforts to develop Sabang as a maritime tourism destination area.

The government has set a medium-term plan for 2019 to develop Sabang, he noted.

"The event in Sabang is expected to attract tourists not only to Sabang but also to Banda Aceh," he added.

Sail Sabang 2017 is scheduled to be held between Nov 28 and Dec 5 and is expected to boost foreign tourist visits to reach 30 thousand in 2019.

"Foreign tourist arrivals in Sabang currently reach some 12 thousand. By 2019, the number of foreign tourists is expected to increase three folds to reach some 30 thousand. Hence, we need to improve accessibility and human resources to serve as guides and diving instructors," he remarked.

As of July 2016, some 37 yachts had anchored at the Sabang Port, and by November 2016, some 10 cruises, with a total 9,763 tourists onboard, had made a port of call.

Sail Sabang 2017 will be held at four locations: Sabang Bay, Sabang Fair, Gapang Resort, and Kilometer Zero.

President Joko Widodo is expected to attend the event in the Sabang Fair on Dec 2.

(Reported by Ade Irma Junida/Uu.S022/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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