In addition to the development of priority tourist destinations, we also have the micro-scale sector of tourism villages.Jakarta (ANTARA) - The development of tourism villages would help revive the national economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has said.
"In addition to the development of priority tourist destinations, we also have the micro-scale sector of tourism villages," he noted during an online discussion on developing the rural economy here on Thursday.
"I believe that it will become part of the locomotive for Indonesian economy to revive," he added.
The development of tourism villages, he said, would open up business opportunities as well as jobs for people affected by the pandemic.
Many people lost their jobs and returned home after the pandemic pummeled the Indonesian economy, Uno pointed out.
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Rural tourism can draw visitors wishing to spend some nights in homestays offered by villagers, enjoy village life, and interact with locals, he further said.
Rural tourist destinations could accommodate health protocols, as they are usually far from crowds, he added.
According to data provided by the ministry, the number of tourism villages has reached 1,352 and is expected to increase further.
"We are creating business opportunities for people, which, at the end, will improve people's welfare in those villages," Uno remarked.
The minister also called on stakeholders in the tourism sector to help improve tourism villages as part of adapting to the pandemic.
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Translator: Adimas R, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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