Wamena (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Tourism has urged organizers of cultural and tourism festivals to ensure their events are unique, well-managed, and professionally executed to attract more foreign tourists to host regions.Fajar Hutomo, expert staff to the Minister of Tourism for crisis management, said in Wamena, Highland Papua province, on Friday that the participation of foreign tourists in cultural and tourism festivals can directly boost the economy, particularly in the host districts.
“With the appeal of cultural and tourism activities, we believe this can increase visits from both domestic and international tourists,” he said.
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He emphasized that, in the future, organizers across Indonesia—especially in Jayawijaya district, Highland Papua—must wisely and creatively manage their tourism potential, creative economy, arts, and culture, while fostering community pride.
“We know Jayawijaya district has extraordinary natural beauty, tourism potential, and cultural heritage, so it must be managed properly to attract not only foreign but also domestic tourists,” he added.
According to Hutomo, if managed well, the tourism potential of Jayawijaya will generate pride within the local community.
“From that sense of pride, the intention, enthusiasm, and efforts to preserve and develop the region’s potential will grow,” he said.
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He cited the example of the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival of Highland Papua, which was selected for the third consecutive time this year as one of the 110 Karisma Event Nusantara by the Ministry of Tourism.
“We hope the Highland Papua provincial government and the Jayawijaya district government will continue to develop their cultural and tourism potential, and collaborate with various stakeholders to be more innovative and creative in holding sustainable cultural events that positively impact the tourism industry,” he said.
