INDONESIA PROPOSES STRONG COLLABORATION IN TOURISM

From Frank Julian Martin

BATAM (Indonesia), Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Indonesia is proposing a strong
collaboration with Malaysia to increase the number of tourists to both
countries.

Apart from using tourism incentives such as low price packages, the republic
has suggested that the two countries promote each other through banners,
brochures, flyers and other tourism materials displayed or distributed at
international-level meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice)
venues.

Director of Market Development at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Syamsul Lussa said that both countries could benefit from such efforts which
were seen as simple yet effective in attracting the tourists.

"When Mice is being held in Batam, our side would promote Johor Baharu as a
tourist destination and Johor will do the same if it is held in Johor Baharu,"
he said.

Syamsul was speaking to Indonesian and Malaysian reporters after a dinner to
welcome more than 170 delegates comprising Malaysian tourism stakeholders and
reporters led by Johor state executive councillor for Tourism and Trade Hoo
Seong Chang here Monday night.

The delegates were visiting the island for updates on tourism products
besides attending a mini travel mart to discuss cooperation in tourism and
strenghen ties between the two countries.

Batam mayor Drs Ahmad Dahlan, who was also present, said 60 per cent of the
island's income was generated from the tourism industry.

It planned to hold Visit Batam Year 2010 and was hoping to attract foreign
and Malaysian tourists via Malaysia's southern state of Johor.

Meanwhile, Hoo said Batam had the potential to grow as a tourist destination
and, being the gateway to Indonesia, could help attract more tourists to
Malaysia, especially Johor.
-- BERNAMA