medcom.id, Jakarta: ASEAN single destination is going to be introduced in Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin, the world's largest tourism exhibition that will be held on March 9-13, 2016.
"In regards to promotion, we as ASEAN must unite to make joint package," said Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya, Friday (2/19/2016).
Arief gave example European tourists who visit Singapore could continue their holiday to Bali, Jakarta, Batam or other Indonesian tourist destinations. The same could be applied to tourists who enter ASEAN from Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.
"We must unite because we are one region. It could boost Wonderful Indonesia campaign. It is very strategic for us," he mentioned.
Currently, three ASEAN countries are above Indonesia in regards to foreign tourist visits. Singapore with 15 million visits, Malaysia with 26 million visits and Thailand with 29 million visits. Meanwhile, Indonesia just only reaches 10.5 million visits.
"We could improve if we cooperate with other ASEAN countries. Especially if foreign tourists have witnessed that our natural beauties are better," he continued.
According to Arief, this cooperation is similar with European Union (EU). The cooperation will introduces Sotheast Asia region as one region, multi-country, single management.
"For Cruise package, it has been introduced in ASEANTA, Manila recently," he explained.
Many countries participate in ITB Berlin. Therefore, Indonesia must join to attract customers.
"We unite but we still compete each other. We ASEAN countries try to find a way to attract European market," said the ministry's assistant deputy for European, Middle East and African market development Nia Niscaya.
Nia explained Indonesian pavilion will be at Hall 26A No. 122. This is reputable exhibition so Indonesia must be inside the venue and acquire large space. Indonesia must be stand out from other ASEAN countries," she added.
Indonesia acquires three large spaces in the exhibition. We receive 403, 66 and 48 meter square. We have prepared the programs together. But we are still competitive," she continued.
Indonesia has 13 thousand Islands divided to three time zones and 1,128 ethnic groups with diverse traditions and cultures. This identity could attract tourists from all around the world.
"In first three days, we will focus on buyers. We have make relations with them since long time ago. The first three days is for them," Nia said.
Meanwhile, in the fourth day, Indonesia will display its identity to public. ASEAN and Indonesia must go all out in ITB Berlin because if we promote in Europe we must gain momentum," she explained.
Indonesia will send 100 person to ITB Berlin consists of Tourism corporations. Indonesia will offer interesting tourism packages such as Bali, Borobudur and Prambanan temples in Central Java and diving place in Raja Ampat.
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