"The Indonesian Embassy in Quito and the Ministry of Tourism are organizing a promotional event of Indonesian tourism, which is preceded by a business meeting with operators and local travel agents," Indonesian Ambassador to Ecuador, Diennaryati Tjokrosuprihatono, said in her statement sent via whatsapp text received by ANTARA here on Monday night (Dec 18).
Ecuadorians still think that Indonesia was part of Singapore, China, or India, and they are more familiar with Vietnam and chose the country as a tourist destination, she noted.
The embassy and the tourism ministry had organized a promotional event last week to further introduce Indonesia to the Ecuadorians. The event featured a night art performance to showcase Indonesia`s culture and gastronomic richness.
"The concept of the event was formed as a meeting place between tour operators, travel agencies, and buyers from Ecuador," the ambassador stated.
About 17 companies participated in the business meeting of the Indonesian tourism ministry, tour operators, and travel agencies. From this meeting, four "high society" groups will hold a tour to Indonesia directly from Ecuador.
More than 160 guests, who were mostly from an upper-class society in Ecuador, attended the night show that featured dances, musical show, and fashion show.
Most of the guests who attended the business meeting and the night show were invited by Ximena Rodas, who is the sister of Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas. Ximena has an Indonesian friend and loves Indonesia. Her house is full of Indonesian ornaments.
"Rodas has an enormous influence and network," Diennaryati revealed, admitting that she did not know any of the upper-class guests who attended the event.
On the other hand, she pointed out that the guests have changed their holiday itinerary from other countries to Indonesia after knowing more about Indonesia`s tourism industry.
Diennaryati also explained that she had proposed Rodas to the Tourism Minister to designate her as a tourism ambassador who would help promote Indonesia in Ecuador.
(T.KR-LWA/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/S012)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
