Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, (Antara Sumbar) - Economic observer Dr James Adam said the tourism sector has become a new economic backbone for the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The tourism sector contributed Rp2 trillion to the Gross Regional Domestic Products of the province of 5.2 million people in 2016, Dr James said here on Friday (Sept 22).
"That means the tourism sector has become a new economic strength with indicator 80,000 foreign tourists visiting the region in 2015 rising to more than 100,000 in 2016. It was a 20 percent increase or exceeding the growth target of 10 percent," he said.
Dr James, a member of IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) for the empowerment of coastal people for East Nusa Tenggara was commenting on the flows of tourists to the province and the impact on the regional economy and purchasing power of the local people.
He said Tourism Minister Dr. Arief Yahya had expressed appreciation for the success of the regional administration in transforming the Flobamorata into a world class tourist destination.
"The parameter is clear. The numbers of visits by domestic and foreign tourists rose sharply making NTT known all over the world," he added.
The contribution of the tourism sector of the economy of the province has exceeded the contributions of other sectors.
Dr James said the central government has given greater attention to the economic development in NTT pointing to priority given to development of Special Economic Zone (KEK) in the province, and the holding of Tour de Flores, and Tour de Timor, as part of the program to promote East Nusa Tenggara globally.
As a result the number of foreign as well as domestic tourists to the province has increased from year to year especially with the opening of more international routes for air transport.
Dr James pointed to expansion of the El Tari airport in Kupang and the Komodo airport Labuan Bajo now being developed into an international airport.
The expansion and modernization of the airports facilitate the organization of international and regional events including Tour de Flores and Tour de Timor.
"A new breakthrough is that we are cooperating with "Carnival Shipping Line", the world's largest cruise operator to draw more cruiser ships to NTT," Dr James said.
So far, Singapore, has been the home port for world cruiser boats and the boats only passed over Indonesian waters, he said.
He said the government plans to build a "cruise home port" in Labuan Bajo and ports of call in a number of other districts.
The NTT administration also is active in seeking investment cooperation to build tourism infrastructure with Spain, he added. (*)
Editor: Vicha Faradika