The province took part in the Jogya International Travel Mart held on May 7-9, 2018, Irene Camelyn Sinaga, head of the tourism office, noted here, Tuesday.
Various tourist destinations, such as the old Al Munawar kampong, were promoted during the travel mart, she stated.
The Al Munawar kampong is an Arab quarter whose community has maintained its Islamic traditions and preserved its old houses.
In the kampong, visitors can sample typical coffee of South Sumatra, including coffee served with a golden spoon, a specialty of the Al Munawar area.
Palembang is a multi-ethnic city where Malays, Javanese, and those of Chinese and Arabic descent have lived harmoniously and peacefully for hundreds of years.
It has the potential to develop religious, culinary, shopping, and historical tourism attractions.
The little-known Al-Munawar kampong, with a vibrant Islamic environment and a distinctive culture, has been designated as a cultural reserve, based on local Law No. 5 of 1992.
Located in Ulu 13, the Al-Munawar kampong is currently being developed into a religious tourism site.
During the travel mart in Yogyakarta, South Sumatra also promoted the planned implementation of the 18th Asian Games to be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2, 2018.
Some 9.5 thousand athletes, 2.5 thousand personnel of the Asian Olympic Council, and 5.5 thousand technical delegates from 45 Asian countries will participate or be involved in the event. At least 3.5 thousand media representatives are expected to cover the games.
This is the second time that Indonesia is hosting the Asian Games, the first one being held in Jakarta in 1962.
For South Sumatra, the largest regional sports event in Asia is expected to offer long-term benefits to boost the province`s economy.
Reporter: Ujang Idrus
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
