WEST Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province is planning to draw MICE to Lombok and Sumbawa islands as one of its major focus areas for tourism development.
The MICE drive forms part of the destination’s new branding strategy, which also focuses on mountains and marine tourism.
Speaking to travel agents and PCOs in Jakarta to introduce its new tagline Lombok Sumbawa Experience the Wonders, NTB Tourism Promotion Board chairman, Awan Aswinabawa, said: “Meetings and incentives contributed 50 per cent of our domestic market business last year.”
“NTB governor (Zainul Majdi) has instructed all regency heads to find and bid for government meetings to be held in Lombok. Every ministry has their national, regional and international meeting agenda, and governor Majdi wants some of those to be held in Lombok.”
Aswinabawa said hotels in Lombok had been busy constructing meetings facilities. The new Lombok Raya Convention Centre is scheduled to open soon with a capacity of 3,000 seats, while an additional 1,500 rooms are expected to enter the market between this year and next.
According to Aswinabawa, NTB’s next step will be to promote Sumbawa, especially as an incentive destination to both the domestic and international markets.
“We realise that the island still needs to develop its infrastructure and facilities, but the destination is charming and will leave unforgettable memories for travellers,” he said, adding that traditional processions and even a buffalo race could be arranged for incentive groups visiting Sumbawa.
