http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20071018.F05&irec=4
Indonesia's tourism woes Imagine the irony! Ideally speaking, of all countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is supposed to be a perfect haven for tourists. It is the world's largest archipelagic country in the world. We have countless beautiful scenery to show off. Our natural assets such as valleys, hills, beaches etc. are too numerous to mention. This is not yet including the exotic world beneath our vast waters. We have cultures so diverse that each offers completely different windows to another world unknown to foreigners. Our variety of food is also simply too good to miss. Furthermore, compared to other destinations, the cost of vacations here is inexpensive. So why are we lagging behind? Instead of seeing Indonesia as an endless experience for both natural and cultural discoveries, the world only knows Bali and almost nothing beyond. Indonesia is not even in the top 10 of favorite tourist destinations in the region. Something is not right. We are certainly not selling our tourism aggressive enough. The best and fastest way to sell Indonesia is through mass media advertisements and such efforts must be government-sponsored, considering that improved tourism will also benefit the public as a whole. The Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia tourism boards have been flooding the world with their enticing advertisements through TV, magazines and billboards. I don't see why we cannot duplicate their tactics. But again there is nothing like personal advertising. The surest way to get tourists is by personal invitations. Friends always visit one another. Each of us is a tourist ambassador for our country. The point is, please abolish that narrow-minded worse-than-colonial rent-seeking fiscal policy for outbound travelers. Let us be free and make connections with the outside world. If each of us can introduce ourselves to five people in foreign lands, imagine the potential impact! There is no tourism without first generating the world's interest and awareness. What better way to do just that than through personal relationships? And also do not forget to upgrade our dire transportation infrastructure. Tourism is a business of selling dreams. Make sure that those dreams are easily accessible. S. WIRAWAN Tangerang, Banten printer friendly Post Your Comments Comments could also be sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
