"President Jokowi has asked us to prepare tourism promotion for each province and its surroundings as an effort to bring economic growth, business opportunities, and job creation during the Aceh-North Sumatra PON," Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno informed after attending a limited meeting on the implementation of the Aceh-North Sumatra PON XXI at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
According to the minister, the tourism promotion effort could particularly target super-priority destinations, such as Lake Toba and the eco-tourism destination in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra.
For tourism in Aceh, his ministry will prepare a religious tourism package to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tsunami disaster that hit the province.
Uno said that tourist visits to super-priority destinations could increase by 10–15 percent during major events.
The largest multi-branch sporting event in Indonesia is also expected to create a movement in the country, he added.
His ministry will also prepare tourism facilities and accommodations, such as homestays and non-star hotels for athletes, contingents, and supporters of PON 2024.
"Moreover, the opening and closing ceremonies will also be prepared. We hope we can succeed the 2024 PON," he remarked.
The Aceh-North Sumatra PON will be the first PON to be held in two provinces.
Athletes will compete in 65 sports at the event, with 32 sports contested in Aceh and 33 sports in North Sumatra.
Based on the website of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI), the sports week will have new participants from four new autonomous region (DOB) provinces of Papua, namely South Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and Southwest Papua.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Sri Haryati
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