"With the implementation of Sail Sabang, we want Aceh Province to become a favorite tourist destination," Panjaitan remarked while dispatching the Nusantara Jaya 2017 Expedition team from the Tanjung Priok Port here on Monday.
The minister dispatched the Nusantara Jaya 2017 Expedition team to Aceh to participate in the Sail Sabang event.
He explained that tourism is projected to become a major contributor to Indonesia`s economy, with a target to attract 20 million foreign tourists in 2019.
"In 2019, we want foreign tourist arrivals to reach 20 million, so that Indonesia`s largest revenue will be generated from tourists," the coordinating minister for maritime affairs noted.
Especially in connection with Sail Sabang, the minister said the government has made the necessary preparations to ensure that the event is a success.
Several guests and tourists from various countries will visit Sabang during the event, thereby making it an opportunity to promote Aceh.
Hence, Fadhlullah, a member of the House of Representatives` Commission VI, has encouraged the Government of Aceh Province to capitalize on the momentum offered by the event as a means to promote tourism, in particular, and to also boost investment.
Through the event, the Aceh district government can promote tourism and investment and cooperate with various parties to increase economic growth and the availability of jobs for people in the westernmost province, according to Fadhlullah.
Furthermore, he suggested that the government should devise a concrete concept of various areas of economic potential aimed at attracting investors to invest in the province.
"Guests from several countries will be present at the event, and this is a golden opportunity that must be utilized, as we do not require huge expenditure to go around the world to promote Aceh," the Acehnese legislator stated.
The international maritime event in Sabang is expected to encourage investors to invest, especially in the tourism industry in Aceh.
Hence, Fadhlullah expressed hope that Sail Sabang would be able to encourage growth in the tourism industry in Sabang, which comprises several scenic islands, including Weh.
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/O001)
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
