Hundreds of the delegates were reported visiting Labuan Bajo in the western end of Flores on their way to the Komodo National Park in the Komodo islands the habitat of the ancient lizards, Komodo, that are found only in the Indonesian islands.
"In short term hotels in NTT recorded a higher occupancy rate in the present low season. Restaurants enjoyed higher sales," Dr. James said here on Monday.
In long term the benefit is that the the tourist wealth of NTT would be better known internationally especially the Komodo National Park, he said.
The long term benefit, however, depends on how the tourists had been impressed by what they saw and how they felt during their stay in NTT, he said.
The government has sought to gain from the big international meeting with tens of thousands participant from 189 countries held in Nusa Dua, Bali earlier this month.
Tour packages were offered to the delegates with visits to major tourist destinations including the Komdo National park after the meeting.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Viktor B Laiskodat said earlier the IMF-WB annual meeting could be a milestone for the emergence of NTT as a major tourist destination area in the country.
"This is a very good momentum if we are to develop out tourism sector. Thousands of the delegates would flock to the tourist area," the governor said.
The big number of visitors to Labuan Bajo especially to the Komodo National Park would contribute to achieving the region`s target set for tourist visits this year.
But most important is Labuan Bajo and the Komodo National Park would be better known to the world.
This year NTT has a target to draw 1.5 million tourists both domestic and foreign tourists. Reporting by Kornelis Aloysius Ileama Kaha (SYS/AS).
(T.SYS/B/H-ASG/C/F001) 22-10-2018 08:49:49
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
