"Panjang beach is not second in attractiveness compared with Sanur beach or Kuta beach in Bali, but unfortunately it lacks adequate facilities," Bengkulu tourism observer Lizar Alfansi said here on Sunday.
He said Bengkulu`s provincial government had in 2010 declared Panjang beach to be an international tourist resort but its management was not handled properly because of funding constraints.
"Panajang beach was initially expected to draw one thousand foreign tourists per year but due to a lack of facilities only around 200 came," he said.
Lizar said to increase the number of foreign tourist visits to the beach, its facilities should be improved.
Besides, he said the local government should also upgrade transportation faculties between the beach and Bengkulu city.
"Both the Benguklu provincial and Bengklu city governments must aggressively lobby the central government to organize national as well as international events in the region to attract more tourists," he said.
Lizar expressed optimism that more foreign and domestic tourists would come To Bengklu if Panjang beach and other tourism spots in the province were more intensively promoted nationally and internationally.
(Uu.O001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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