So far, around 240 participants have registered to attend the conference."
Manado, North Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang has warned the hotels in Manado against hiking their room rates during the World Coral Reef Conference (WCRC) on May 14 to 17, 2014, an official stated.

Provincial government spokesman Jemmy Kumendong remarked here on Thursday that the governor issued the warning during a meeting with the managers of hotels, restaurants, airline companies, and supermarkets on Wednesday.

Kumendong explained that Sarundajang on the occasion said that the local government has made every effort to host many national and international events to help the hotels increase their occupancy rates.

"Therefore, this time I request the hotels here to not raise their room rates because it will have a negative impact on the WCRC participants and guests," Kumendong quoted the governor as saying.

In his response to the request made by Governor Sarundajang, North Sulawesi branch of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Chairman Jhoni Like remarked that all hotel managers in Manado have promised that the room rates for WCRC participants and guests will not be raised.

He further added that Governor Sarundajang will have the privilege of accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to visit Myanmar between May 10 and 12 and will utilize the opportunity to promote the international event of WCRC 2014.

"The governor will take the opportunity to promote not only the WCRC, but also economy, trade, and investment potential in North Sulawesi," Kumendong emphasized.

He noted that coral reef experts from around the world will attend the conference in Manado, and therefore, it is expected to be a grand success for the people of North Sulawesi and the world.

According to Kumendong, North Sulawesis initiative to host such an international event is intrinsically related to Sarundajangs efforts to promote it across several countries.

"So far, around 240 participants have registered to attend the conference," Kumendong pointed out.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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