Padang (ANTARA) - The outbreak of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has not affected foreign tourists visiting to W Sumatra in January 2020 based on records by the W Sumatra Central Statistics Agency.
"During January 2020 the number of foreign tourist arrivals to W Sumatra reached 4,341 people, or only fell 16.20 percent compared to December 2019 which reached 5,180 people," said Head of W Sumatra BPS, Pitono in Padang on Tuesday.
He mentioned that of 4,341 foreign tourists who came to W Sumatra in January 2020, tourists from Malaysia still dominated to reach 3,416 people.
The rest of the tourist arrivals came from China 247 people, Australia 127 people, France 46 people, Thailand 28 people, Singapore 24 people, United States 21 people, Japan 20 people, Dutch 20 people, England 18 people and other countries 374 people.
According to him, tourist visits in January contributed 0.33 percent of the total foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, totaling 1,316,252 people.
Head of Bank Indonesia of W Sumatra,Wahyu Purnama said W Sumatra has strong capital to develop tourism as a source of economic growth in the province.
"It is proven by various awards won at the international level such as the World Best Halal Culinary Destination and Best Halal Destination," he said.
According to him the natural charm of Ranah Minang which is still beautiful became an attraction for domestic and foreign tourists.
"Besides that it is supported by delicious culinary which is also famous like rendang," he said.
Not only that, in the Mentawai the wave beachs are known as the best for surfing among foreign tourists.
Then because there is a halal tourist label, the tourist attraction needs to pay attention to cleanliness, provide a comfortable place to pray.
Transleted by: Mutiara Ramadhani
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Corona outbreaks has yet affected foreign tourists visiting to West Sumatra
Residents cross in front of the attractions of Padang Beach, W Sumatra, on Saturday, Feb 29 (Antara / Iggoy El Fitra)
