Alor's tourism development in 2021 faces budget constraints

Kupang (ANTARA) - Head of the Alor Tourism Service Ati Obidje has drawn attention to the development of potential tourist attractions in Alor District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, in 2021 being constrained by budget on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year, we did not receive funding assistance from the central government to develop the potential of tourist attractions in this district due to the current pandemic situation," Obidje noted on Friday.

Obidje spoke of having sought funding assistance for Alor from the central government, but the funds could only be disbursed for priority location areas, such as Labuan Bajo.

"Hence, this year, the budget for tourism development is only disbursed for priority location areas, such as Labuan Bajo and several other areas in East Nusa Tenggara," she noted.

Obidje affirmed that the decision was understandable in the wake of the current pandemic conditions. Several budgets have been slashed and redirected to the economy and health sectors, so her administration did not object to the decision.

Furthermore, as compared to 2020, the government had disbursed Rp4 billion for tourism development in Alor.

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In the absence of funding, the plan to develop a new tourist attraction on Kanje Island in the district had to be temporarily suspended.

"We cannot expect budget from the local government, as they do not have much for tourism development in this district," she affirmed.

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Obidje expressed hope that in 2022, budget for the development of tourism potential in the area would be liquidated to facilitate the process.

Alor Island is among East Nusa Tenggara's popular islands and is well-known for its scenic beauty and culture.

Alor Island's attractions comprise its numerous diving spots, such as Half Moon Bay and Crocodile Rock, which have drawn global attention.