The free tour package reflects the district administration`s appreciation of the athletes` achievements that will hopefully boost the nationalism of youths in the district, Banyuwangi district head Abdullah Azwar Anas noted here on Monday.
"First, of course, we all are proud of our remarkable achievement in the Asian Games. Second, we hope the athletes` untiring spirit of nationalism will spread to Banyuwangi, particularly to our youths," he emphasized.
Anas said the free tour package is also part of the district`s tourism promotional strategy involving tour operators without utilizing the district budget fund.
"The athletes are extraordinary endorsers. If they holiday at Ijen crater, relax in coastal resorts in Banyuwangi, and then upload (their activities there) on social media, this will be an effective promotion for Banyuwangi, as they have a great deal of followers," he pointed out.
During the free vacation, they will be able to witness the world-renowned blue flame at Ijen crater, G-Land with the world`s best wave-surfing, and savannah in the Alas Purwo National Park.
The Indonesian contingent to the Asian Games 2018 clinched 98 medals, with 31 gold, 24 silver, and 43 bronze. With the medal tally, Indonesia finished fourth after China, with 132 gold, 92 silver, and 65 bronze medals; Japan, with 75 gold, 56 silver, and 74 bronze medals; and South Korea, with 49 gold, 58 silver, and 70 bronze medals.
Host Indonesia had earlier set a target of finishing in the top 10 at the Asian Games 2018, with 16 gold medals.
Reporting by Masuki M Astro
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
