"A total of 73 foreign yachts had visited Sabang from January to June this year. Over these past four years, the number of international yachters arriving in the city has tended to increase," Said Azhar, the Sabang Immigration officer, remarked here on Saturday.
Azhar revealed that yachters from Malaysia, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand had visited Sabang to experience the diverse richness of this small island's marine tourism.
The yachts had 184 sailors onboard, and they stayed for a week in the coastal city, he noted, adding that in 2018, a total of 95 foreign yachts had visited Sabang, with the figure increasing from 84 recorded in 2017.
The Sabang-based National Tourism Strategic Areas (KSPN) has targeted attracting 150 foreign yachts and cruise ships this year.
Acting Head of Sabang's Free Trade Zone and Free Port Razuardi had earlier remarked that the number of visiting cruise ships and yachts had tended to increase annually.
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Razuardi believes the positive trend was expected to continue owing to numerous efforts made his office and related authorities, including initiating a Sabang-Phuket-Langkawi Yacht Rally.
"We remain optimistic that the presence of these foreign sailors and tourists will help boost the local people's income and enliven tourism industries," Razuardi stated.
The frequent visits of domestic and foreign tourists, including those boarding international cruise ships and yachts, have boosted the development of Sabang's tourism sector.
This coastal city is not merely renowned for its sandy beaches and underwater beauty, with abundant snorkeling and diving spots, but is also well-known for its well-protected forest and "kilometer-zero" monument signifying Indonesia's starting point.
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Translator: Irman Y, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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