South Pesisir Targets 3.5 Million Tourists in 2018

Painan, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The Government of South Pesisir District, West Sumatra targets the increasing popularity of attractions in the area will be able to attract 3.5 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2018.

"All attractions in the South Pesisir have its own charm but now the best known is Integrated Marine Tourism Area (KWBT) of Mandeh and Carocok Beach Painan," Head of Tourism, Office of Tourism Youth and Sports, Firdaus stated in here on Tuesday.

However, he does not deny that other tourist attractions will also be a magnet for tourists such as Root Bridge, Rumah Gadang (Minangkabau traditional house) of Mandeh Rubiah and others.

In 2016, 1.98 million domestic tourists and 1,700 foreign tourists visit the area. Furthermore, it increased in 2017 with the number of domestic tourists visit reached 2.3 million, while foreign tourists are still 1,700.

"With the various efforts that we have done from the revamping to promotion, we believe that the target year is reached," he said.

Mandeh is a bay surrounded by exotic islands including Cubadak Island, the island that has abundant underwater wealth so that various types of coral reefs and marine life are very easy to find.

Furthermore there is also Sironjong Ketek Island where tourists can complain of adrenaline by jumping from a height of approximately 20 meters to the water.

Meanwhile, Carocok Beach is also rich in marine biota. In the location, tourists can come to Batu Kareta Island which is a rock island.

Besides, tourists can also visit the island of Cingkuak which has white sand and beautiful scenery. (cha)