"We take advantage of every tourism-related event to promote international sporting events, in order to enable the successful implementation of the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang," Head of Tourism of Maluku, Habiba Saimima, remarked here on Monday.
The promotion aims to notify the public on the importance of the international sports festivities that have been entrusted to Indonesia, which is the organizer.
"Therefore, if the community knows the importance of the implementation of the Asian Games, then they will extend their full support by maintaining security and stability and reflecting the `Sapta Charm` for the participants and supporters of the international sporting event," she remarked.
Saimima stated that Maluku Tourism Office will also put up billboards and banners in strategic areas of Ambon City and a number of tourist attractions to promote the Asian Games.
"We will follow up on President Joko Widodo`s instruction to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy to assist and facilitate INASGOC National Committee in promoting the Asian Games 2018, both domestically and abroad," she explained.
Widodo on Feb 12, 2016, signed the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) no. 2 year 2016 to support the hosting the XVIII Asian Games in 2018.
He stated that the Ambon Bay Festival, scheduled from Aug 18 to 20, 2018, will be used to promote Asia Games XVIII.
Besides, the promotion aims to provide a positive impact on the community`s economy.
"Therefore, it is not only for local and domestic tourists but also to support the target of tourists` visits in 2018," she added.
Maluku Tourism Office in 2018 targets about 25 thousand foreign tourist and 150 thousand domestic tourists to this area.
"A number of events are ready to be held to attract tourists, including the Ambon Bay Party, to achieve the expected target of tourist arrivals in 2018 and contribute to other fields too," she conveyed.
Reporter: Alex Sariwating
Editor: Bustanuddin
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