"Women's empowerment is one of the important steps to revitalize tourism and the regional economy," Sulthony noted in Medan, Friday.
The W20 is one of the engagement groups within Indonesia's G20 Presidency that forms the women's empowerment network to encourage the adoption of G20's commitment in women's issues.
According to Sulthony, the COVID-19 pandemic that struck over two years back impacted the tourism and creative economy industries in Indonesia, including in North Sumatra.
"This condition affects the regional income," he noted.
To this end, Sulthany expressed optimism that women would contribute to economic recovery and regional tourism through their roles in their respective fields.
"Both in terms of developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and others," he noted.
Related news: Women play crucial role in tourism, creative economy: Minister
Earlier, at the opening of the W20 Summit in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Tuesday, July 19, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, assessed the role of women as the backbone of the tourism and creative economy sectors.
"Women are the backbone of tourism and the creative economy, supporters of community welfare as well as guardians of cultural heritage," he stated.
He added that globally, women constituted 54 percent of workers in the tourism and creative economy sectors. In Indonesia, the number of female workers in this sector reached 55 percent.
Uno also lauded the role of women in strengthening the nation and chairing the W20 meeting in the series of the Indonesian G20 Presidency.
"We are optimistic that recovery will happen together, stronger, and equal. We strongly support women to be able to unleash their full potential for the benefit of mankind," he noted.
Related news: Ministry encourages women's role in tourism, creative economy sectors
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Translator: Nur Aprilliana Br. S. Resinta
Editor: Suharto
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