INDONESIA’S tourism authority is pointing hotel investors and operators beyond Bali, in tandem with the government’s drive to improve infrastructure and facilities in these destinations.
At his keynote address yesterday, vice minister for tourism and creative economy, Sapta Nirwandar, said: “We see a lot of investments in Bali, but there are good places to develop star-rated hotels in other parts of the country, on the main islands as well as the small ones.”
He highlighted that infrastructure in 16 destinations would be developed, which also have a need for accommodation. The Indonesian government has designated Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara as tourism gateways as part of a 2011-2025 master plan.
“The (2011 opening of) Lombok International Airport (in West Nusa Tenggara) shows the government’s attention on this part of the country, while there is a mega project taking place in Mandalika Tourism Resort.
“There are also growing tourist demands in Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and around the famous Senggigi areas (in Lombok),” he said.
In East Nusa Tenggara, Alor Island, Komodo and Flores are gaining popularity, while other areas in Indonesia to look at include Bangka, Belitung, Sabang and Medan-Toba.
As for air access, Garuda Indonesia will commence Jakarta-London services by year-end (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 5, 2013) and on track for launch this year is a new airport in Medan and Silangit, North Tapanuli. The latter is 30 minutes away from Lake Toba.
“This will mean better connectivity not only from overseas to Indonesia but also within the country,” said Sapta.
Citing figures from the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, Sapta said that total investment in tourism for 2012 was US$869.8 million, growing more than 200 per cent over 2011’s US$279.8 million.
