Budget to Support NTT Tourism Not Sufficient

Minggu, 14 Mei 2017 11:26 WIB

The Local Tourism and Creative Economy Office Chief Marius Ardu Jelamu.

"The allocation of funds from the regional budget to support tourism this year is only Rp19 billion, but this amount is not sufficient for tourism promotion and improving the supporting infrastructure," Jelamu remarked here on Saturday.

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (Antara NTT) - The budget to support tourism in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province is not adequate for improving the supporting infrastructure and promoting tourism destinations, according to local Tourism and Creative Economy Office Chief Marius Ardu Jelamu.

"The allocation of funds from the regional budget to support tourism this year is only Rp19 billion, but this amount is not sufficient for tourism promotion and improving the supporting infrastructure," Jelamu remarked here on Saturday.

According to Jelamu, the province`s tourism sector has become one of the priorities of the local government, but it has not been supported with adequate funding from the budget.

He pointed out that budget support for the agricultural sector reached Rp60-Rp70 billion, while for tourism, it was only Rp19 billion, which was inadequate to develop tourism and creative economy in the province.

The government of NTT continues to strive to make the tourism industry an economic pillar of the province and its 4.6 million people.

In its efforts to make tourism a leading sector and the engine of economic development in the province, the local government is set to develop numerous spots in the province into world-class tourist destinations by building infrastructure and modern hotels and developing human resources.

The province is blessed with at least eight natural wonders that must be developed optimally to boost local economic development and tourism.

Among the natural wonders of the province are: Semana Santa in Larantuka, Nihiwatu Beach in Sumba Island, Alor Dive in Alor Island, Nemberalla Beach in Rote Ndao, Komodo Island, Pink Beach in Padar Island, Taman 17 in Riung Island, and the three-colored lakes of Mount Kelimutu.

NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya has stated that the province also has immense potential in cultural tourism as any other region in Indonesia.

According to the governor, NTT has over one thousand inhabited and uninhabited islands, and almost all of them have tourism potential that is worth developing.

Hence, the governor has urged all and sundry in the province to support the development of tourism and attract as many tourists as possible.