Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is optimistic about reaching its target to increase tourists in 2012, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here on Tuesday.

"We have targeted eight million foreign tourists this year. This number is higher compared to last year`s number of tourist visits, which reached 7.6 million people. As for domestic tourists, we expect to have 127 million people traveling around Indonesia this year," the minister said.

She noted that the government had worked with hotel chains and airlines in the spirit of reaching 2012`s target. She added that the government would also help improve the quality of Indonesia`s small and medium enterprises, as well as the mastery of foreign languages spoken by the local population.

Further, the minister expressed hope to see more tourist destinations developing in Indonesia, besides Jakarta and Bali.

"Last year, Bandung and Makassar were visited by quiet a large number of tourists. Palembang and Manado were also popular," Mari said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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