"Promoting tourism by using iconic cabs in London is an attempt to improve the image of Indonesian tourism, particularly in the UK market," said the Director for Indonesia Image of Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Esthy Reko Astuty.
London (ANTARA News) - As many as 250 cabs in London, popularly known as `Black Cabs`, are promoting Indonesian tourism by displaying slogans and pictures of `Wonderful Indonesia`.

"Promoting tourism by using iconic cabs in London is an attempt to improve the image of Indonesian tourism, particularly in the UK market," said the Director for Indonesia Image of Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Esthy Reko Astuty, in an interview with ANTARA News on Friday.

Astuty explained that the Ministry, together with the Indonesian Embassy in London is hoping to attract British tourists in the second largest tourism exhibition in the world, the World Tourism Market (WTM) 2012, held at the Excel London building from November 5 to 8.

"We try to promote Indonesian tourism in many ways apart from the exhibition. We also promote `Wonderful Indonesia` by using `Black Cabs`," she further explained.

"Indonesia is targeting 200,000 British tourists. We hope that by promoting Indonesian tourism through the popular cabs in London, the target would be achieved," she added.

Astuty also noted that it is the second time for the Ministry to promote tourism through cabs.

"The ministry intends to strengthen Indonesia`s position in the world tourism industry by participating in the World Tourism Market 2012 in London," she said.

According to the Head of the Indonesia Imagery Strategy Agency, Agustini Rahayu, the promotion of Indonesian tourism is carried out by displaying pictures of Indonesian tourist spots on the cabs.

"Most of the pictures we display on the cabs show tropical tourist spots in Indonesia since the British tend to prefer warmer places for their vacation during the winter break," Rahayu explained.

She also said that the 250 `Black Cabs' operate more frequently in certain landmarks in London and tourist centres, such as the Oxford Street.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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