"We hope this award will provide a value of trust in destinations in Balikpapan City, so that they are increasingly in demand among both domestic and foreign tourists," Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office Ririn Sari Dewi stated here on Wednesday.
Dewi remarked that this achievement proved the dedication and hard work of all parties in maintaining cleanliness and sustainability of tourism destinations in Balikpapan.
She noted that the ASEAN Tourism Awards, which were initiated by ASEAN member countries, is a form of appreciation for tourism actors, who have created superior and quality tourist destinations.
"Through this award, ASEAN's vision to become a single destination is expected to be realized soon," she said.
Dewi explained that the award has five categories: the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award, the ASEAN Clean Tourist City, the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, the ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Exhibition Venue), and the ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Meeting Room Category).
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has seen the award as proof that Indonesia's tourism sector has continued to gain greater popularity globally.
"We are very pleased to receive the award at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024. Indonesia has always been a dynamic and cultured country with many beautiful destinations, and this strengthens and elevates Indonesia's name as one of the best (tourism) choices in the region," he said.
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Head of the Balikpapan City Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office Ratih Kusuma expressed gratitude to all residents that the area has won the award.
"Keep maintaining cleanliness and the beauty of Balikpapan, so it can remain an environmentally friendly and amazing destination," she remarked.
