Deputy Chair of Commission VII of the House, Lamhot Sinaga, stressed that tourism is not merely a recreational activity but a development instrument that can drive economic growth, create jobs, strengthen intercultural dialogue, and contribute to global peace.
He noted that Indonesia, with its extraordinary natural and cultural wealth, including Lake Toba, should play a leading role in the global tourism agenda.
The House and the government are finalizing discussions on the Tourism Bill, which is scheduled for passage at a plenary session on October 5, 2025.
The new regulation is expected to provide a modern legal framework that adapts to the digital era, sustainability demands, and global competition.
Lamhot emphasized that the aim is not only economic gain but also social, cultural, and environmental benefits.
This aligns with the spirit of the United Nations through the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which has marked World Tourism Day since 1980 to highlight the strategic role of tourism.
He cited Lake Toba, which has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, as an example. The area has the potential to develop into a world-class destination if managed properly while delivering tangible benefits to surrounding communities.
He underscored that the success of tourism should not be measured by the number of visitors but by how much local communities directly benefit. Tourism development, he added, must be community-based so that residents become both hosts and beneficiaries.
World Tourism Day was established by UNWTO, the UN agency responsible for international tourism.
The date of September 27 was chosen to coincide with the adoption of the UNWTO Statute in 1970, which marked the organization's founding.
The first commemoration was held in 1980, and since then, countries around the world have annually adopted specific themes to respond to global tourism challenges.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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