Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa highlights the potential of Kepri’s tourism sector to attract more international visitors.
Deputy Minister of Tourism (Wamenpar) Ni Luh Puspa emphasized the significant potential of the tourism sector in the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) to drive international tourist visits to Indonesia. This was conveyed during the reception of the first wave of international tourists from Singapore at Bandar Bintan Telani (BBT) Port in Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Kepri, on Wednesday.
Ni Luh Puspa noted that Kepri is one of the three main gateways for international tourists entering Indonesia, alongside Bali and Jakarta. She expressed optimism that Kepri’s international tourist arrivals would continue to grow due to the region’s diverse range of top-tier attractions. Bintan, for instance, boasts pristine beaches with fine white sand and clear waters. In addition, Pulau Penyengat in Tanjungpinang offers historical, cultural, and religious sites, while the region’s signature seafood dishes, such as gonggong, entice visitors.
Reflecting on her first visit to Penyengat and Bintan, Ni Luh Puspa described the destinations as exceptionally beautiful and worthy of being top tourist attractions. She expressed confidence that Kepri’s tourism appeal would significantly contribute to Indonesia’s goal of attracting between 14 million to 16 million international visitors by 2025.
Ni Luh Puspa also praised the arrival of international tourists in Bintan from various countries, including Singapore, the United States, Russia, and Japan. The tourists were warmly welcomed with flower bouquets and traditional Malay headdresses known as tanjak. She mentioned that these tourists typically stay for four days and three nights, enjoying the island’s tourism offerings.
The Deputy Minister encouraged local governments in Kepri and Bintan to introduce more tourist attractions to boost foreign interest and extend visitor stays, thereby enhancing the local economy.
As of October 2024, Kepri had recorded 1.3 million international tourist visits out of a targeted 1.4 million, in line with the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) of the Kepri Provincial Government.
During the reception event in Bintan, Ni Luh Puspa was accompanied by Kepri Governor Ansar Ahmad, Bintan Regent Robby Kurniawan, and local government officials.
Source: ANTARA
