... we remain proud of this because Indonesian citizens have chosen European countries for their vacations... "
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Over 8.9 million Indonesians visit Europe every year not only for holidaying but also for pursuing higher education, stated European Union Ambassador to Indonesia Olof Skoog.

"The 8.9 million figure as compared to the total population of Indonesia, is small. But, we remain proud of this because Indonesian citizens have chosen European countries for their vacations," he noted after a press conference here on Monday.

Many Indonesian citizens are fond of traveling abroad, particularly to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, he pointed out.

"And we are pleased that European countries have become one of the destinations for Indonesian citizens to travel overseas," he remarked.

They visited Europe not only for their vacations but also for pursuing higher education, he added.

In view of that, Skoog stated that he had taken every effort to attract Indonesian tourists, including organizing the first ever culture and tourism exhibition in Indonesia.

Dubbed Destination Europe, the exhibition will be held at the Balai Kartini Convention Center here on October 18-19, 2014, to showcase the tourist attractions of 24 European countries.

"I believe that many travel exhibitions were earlier held in Indonesia. But, the exhibition this time is different as we will display European culture and scenery, which will become part of your cherished experiences in life," he added.

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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