The development of good, sustainable events could have a positive impact on reviving the tourism sector, which has collapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deputy for tourism products and activities at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Rizki Handayani Mustafa, said.
"Events are activities that can attract visitors to come. Events are key for bringing in a large number of visitors through a well-planned activity," he remarked during the discussion on Thursday.
A good and sustainable event can also increase the positive image of the organizers, he added.
Meanwhile, head of the culture and tourism service of North Sumatra province, Zumri Sulthony, said that events must be made sustainable through good planning, development, and promotion so that they can continue to run.
"So far, North Sumatra has not coordinated well with districts and cities regarding sustainable events," he noted.
So far, the province has held 33 events, both small and large scale, which were not categorized as sustainable events, he informed.
"There are no joint events in North Sumatra that collaborate with other districts or cities," Sulthony added.
Through the FGD, the North Sumatra provincial government, the local government, and other stakeholders are expected to collaborate, provide inputs, and coordinate with each other to achieve better and more sustainable tourism events, he said.
The FGD activity was attended by representatives from the district and city governments, Lake Toba Authority Board (BPODT), event associations, event organizers, event communities, and other stakeholders.
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Translator: Juraidi, Resinta Sulistiyandar
Editor: Suharto
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