Smile, it's Visit Indonesia Year

In addition to the government's efforts to improve safety and infrastructure, ordinary Indonesians can also contribute to the success of Visit Indonesia Year 2008 by doing what they do best -- smiling and being friendly, according to a minister.

Gearing up for the next year's big challenge, the government, as well as improving key infrastructure -- such as road and telecommunications networks -- will also launch a promotional campaign to raise public awareness of the event.

And, according to Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, the success of the program will hinge on the friendliness of ordinary Indonesians.

"Our people must be friendly, show smiling faces, and all concerned must cater to foreign tourists in a friendly way so as to help the country promote its tourism industry next year," Jero said Wednesday.

With the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 campaign, which will be inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Jan. 1, the country hopes to attract seven million foreign tourists and earn US$6.4 billion in foreign exchange.

The number of tourist arrivals is expected to increase to six million this year from 4.8 million in 2006.