Ministry to promote 900 Desa Wisata tourism villages

The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry is set to launch a campaign to promote 900 tourism villages (Desa Wisata) in regions across Indonesia to persuade more foreign tourists to visit.
“We will jointly promote the tourism villages so that they can become more popular across the globe,” said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu while visiting Tanjung Karang, a tourism village in Labuhan Bajo sub-district, Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, on Saturday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
The launch of Desa Wisata was held in conjunction with Nusantara Day 2013.
According to the ministry, Central Sulawesi is one of provinces blessed with abundant maritime potentials that could be used as tourist attractions. One of the potentials is Tanjung Karang, a charming fishing village that has attracted many tourists. Tanjung Karang has been set as a Desa Wisata to maximize the use of its potentials.
“The development of Tanjung Karang as a Desa Wisata has been ongoing since 2012, although its official launch was just held today,” said Mari in her remarks.
She said Tanjung Karang village had the potential to become a popular tourist destination because the village integrated the creative industry and tourism.
“It has various culinary delights, such as grilled fish, and hand-carved handicrafts that can generate benefits for the local economy,” said Mari.
The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry will help develop facilities in Tanjung Karang village, such as by providing more boats for tourists as well as diving equipment as it is known for its underwater biodiversity.
Mari took the opportunity to go around Tanjung Karang village and dived for around one hour. “Its underwater biodiversity, such as fish and coral, is still well-conserved,” she said. (Jakarta Post)