Asita Suggests Mentawai To Have Its Own Tourism Brand

id Asita Suggests Mentawai To Have Its Own Tourism Brand

Asita Suggests Mentawai To Have Its Own Tourism Brand

Mentawai Island. (Antara)

Padang, (Antara Sumbar) - Chairman of the Association of Travel Company (ASITA) of West Sumatra, Ian Hanafiah stated Mentawai Islands District actually can have a brand for its own tourism, apart from the brand of provincial tourism.

"Mentawai has a different tourism potential in comparing to other districts and cities in West Sumatra, so that it can be its own," he said in Padang, Friday.

He mentioned it related to the determination of "Taste of Padang" as West Sumatra tourism brand to be sold on tourists.

Potential of Mentawai is a culture as well as the benefits of marine tourism, especially waves which are very suitable for surfing sports.

The potential is enough to attract tourists to the area, especially if made into a brand.

By 2017 it is estimated that 15 thousand tourists visit Mentawai to enjoy a number of cultural activities and having a sports of surfing.

The brand itself for Mentawai tour, according to him will not harm West Sumatra, because tourists who come are mostly through Minangkabau International Airport in Padangpariaman and dock in Padang.

While the Mentawai Regent, Yudas Sabaggalet said it focused on regional development through tourism. The seriousness is shown by rejecting investment in other fields such as oil palm plantations.

A number of cultural activities are also packed to increase the number of visits to the area such as the Traditional Arrow Festival, the Muanggau Festival and the Mentawai Enchantment Festival.

"We hope tourists visit continues to increase with everything we do," he said.

Regarding the brand of West Sumatra tourism "Taste of Padang", he thinks it is enough to represent the whole region, though he hopes Mentawai has its own brand. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika