FROM next year, Indonesia will shine a stronger spotlight on cities other than Jakarta and Bali to promote their MICE potential – even the recently beleaguered Manado.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will, at the very least, double the country’s exhibition space at all trade shows, showcasing 14 destinations.
Berman Lupis, the ministry’s director of MICE, told TTG Asia e-Daily: “Indonesia’s presence at trade shows this year will showcase mostly Jakarta and Bali, as these arrangements were made much earlier. But our scope will change next year.” The ministry participates in 25 trade shows annually.
“Jakarta and Bali are popular destinations for MICE, but other destinations here have been identified as rising MICE stars, specifically Palembang, Balikpapan, Lombok and Solo. We want to bring more attention to these cities, which will also help to spread MICE business around the country,” he added.
Lupis added that infrastructure enhancements have been mapped out for several of the emerging MICE cities. For instance, Lombok will get a new airport as well as hotels, while Manado will see the opening of new convention venues, roads and retail malls.
Acknowledging shortcomings in Manado’s recent attempt at hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January, which had delegates up in arms, he said the ministry was committed to “rebuilding Manado’s image”.
