"In 2023, at least 30 tourism villages from the nine districts and one city in Bengkulu will compete for the province-level tourism village competition," Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah stated here on Friday.
The governor said Bengkulu is keen to develop villages that can attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
"This year, we want to develop the tourism sector in villages that really depict their uniqueness," he remarked.
The development of tourism villages in Bengkulu will support the National Movement of Proud to Travel in Indonesia Program that has been launched by the government.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that the National Movement of Proud to Travel in Indonesia will encourage domestic tourism in Indonesia.
The goal of the movement is 1.2 to 1.4 billion domestic trips for 2023.
He also urged Bengkulu Province to contribute at least 4.8 million tourist trips in 2023.
"Bengkulu is expected to contribute a minimum of 4.8 million trips, and I hope the governor can achieve this target," he remarked.
Villages in Bengkulu have been developing their tourism sector according to their potential.
Some tourism villages in the province, which is known for its Rafflesia arnoldii flower, were nominated for the top 100 tourism villages by the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry in 2021.
According to Governor Mersyah, the tourism sector in rural areas can improve the local economy and welfare while protecting the natural wealth and local wisdom.
To support the development of tourism villages, the Bengkulu Provincial Government regularly holds the tourism village competition.
These tourism villages are expected to develop their unique tourism objects and potential, so they can become a new source of economy.
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Translator: Boyke W, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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