"This is one of the Coal tourism village's solutions to grow the creative spirit from an early age, through studying in tourism villages," head of the Bukit Porong Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Alfonsius Sumarno Patut said in Labuan Bajo on Monday.
The government has designated Labuan Bajo as a premium tourism destination. Thus, there are several new challenges for all tourism village managers, which will require them to be more creative in innovating, adapting, and collaborating, he added.
Bukit Porong's Pokdarwis is bringing new hope for the next generation to travel while studying, and the effort is also aimed at ensuring the learning process is not dull, he remarked.
Initially, under the program, the Coal tourism village will run a relaxing book reading activity every Saturday and Sunday, he informed.
Educational tour packages for groups will also be offered for children or teenagers studying in elementary, junior high, high schools, colleges, and creative communities, he said.
In addition, the Coal tourism village has prepared a two-day and one-night tour package that covers activities such as a stay at local people's homes, dancing class, traditional food cooking class, gardening, botanical studies, traditional games, storytelling, and educational movies, Patut added.
Furthermore, the edutourism initiative has received a good response from the West Manggarai authority. The vice district head of West Manggarai, Yulianus Weng, said that young people's innovations, especially those coming from tourism villages, need to get more appreciation.
With the existence of the educational park, tourists who come to the Coal tourism village will have another option for activities, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery from the top of Porong Tedeng Hill, he added.
Therefore, the local government and related parties need to support the educational park by adding books, he said.
Weng further said he believes that with support and continuous innovation by village authorities, tourism villages can advance and enhance locals' welfare and economy.
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Translator: Fransiska N, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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