"The designation of Kaltim as host of IKN has put it under the spotlight of all of Indonesia and the world. This will surely provide a great opportunity to develop the industries of the tourism and creative economy," Director of Nusantara Tourism Marketing at the Ministry Dwi Marhen Yono said in a press release sent to Samarinda on Friday.
According to him, the province has great potential for the development of the tourism industry. This potential is reflected in the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the province each year, he added.
In fact, the Nusantara Zero Point in the region of IKN has become one of the places that have managed to draw local, national, and international tourists.
"I invite colleagues from the tourism office and all related parties in Kaltim to empower the Zero Point, since it has drawn the attention of many," Yono said while inaugurating the Kaltim Travel Fair (KTF) 2023 in Balikpapan on Thursday (May 11).
He also highlighted the high levels of enthusiasm among Indonesians across the country in snapping pictures at the IKN Zero Point. With that in mind, he said, all related parties should maximize on this interest by creating tour packages.
He also suggested a tour package that starts with a trip from Berau district to other regions and concludes at the Nusantara Zero Point.
Meanwhile, head of the Kaltim Tourism Office, Ahmand Herwansyah, drew attention to the KTF 2023, saying that the festival has been held in the hopes of supporting the economic transition from extractive industries (mining and quarrying) to tourism and creative economy industries.
He said he is optimistic that the number of tourists visiting Kaltim would continue to increase owing to the revocation of community restrictions in 2022 and the creation of new tourist destinations in Balikpapan, Samarinda, North Penajam Paser, and other areas.
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Translator: M. Ghofar, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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