Friday 27 November 2015

Indonesia building diving infrastructure for global tourists

Indonesia is promoting itself as an ideal diving destination. At the Sales Diving Mission in Rome the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Indonesian embassy the country focused on diving in small islands and boosting the infrastructure.

The tourism industry is instrumental in boosting economy as it creates opportunities for jobs and the development of tourism creates contacts within people and fosters a feeling of mutual understanding and reduces tension between nations and creates scope for wealth expansion. A country that is blessed with 17,000 islands has around 300 different ethnic groups is an ideal tourist destination said Des Alwi, Deputy Head of Mission of the Indonesian embassy.

Indonesia has recently removed visa requirements for stay for less than 30 days from 90 countries which includes Italy. The World Tourism Organisation figures are positive: in 2014 the number of international arrivals in Indonesia rose by 7 percent. It is expected that this figure will increase in 2015 and be strengthened until 2017, thanks to lower oil prices, which enables low transport costs.”

Indonesia is an ideal destination for those who love diving. People can go diving at anytime of the year. There are no seasons here. Mr. John E. Sidjabat, President of the Indonesian Recreational Diving Business Association said”we are working together with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that all workers in the sector comply with quality standards, and there are already 360 operators that guarantee safety, sustainability and environmental protection.” This is an issue of particular importance for a country that has the Coral Triangle: “Of about 600 species of coral that exist in the world” continued Sidjabat, “559 are found in the waters ranging from Bali (west), to Karakelong (north), and Papua (east).” As for the infrastructure development, Italy can play an important role.

There are plans for 24 commercial ports (five major and 19 minor), 12 airports, and 2,000 km of railways, just to mention the major works. Italy is contributing its expertise in the fields of shipbuilding, coastal and border controls, maritime safety, port structures and patrols.

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