Govt to fund tourism board<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Marzuki
\nUsman said yesterday that the government would increase its
\nbudget for tourism promotion next fiscal year, by giving
\nadditional funds to finance the Indonesia Tourism Promotion
\nBoard's (BPPI) activities.<\/p>\n
\"I urge BPPI to send its proposal and working plan to be
\ndiscussed further by the ministry of finance and the Bappenas
\n(National Development Planning Board) as soon as possible,\"
\nMarzuki said.<\/p>\n
He declined to reveal the amount but said that it would not be
\ntaken from the Rp 9 billion (US$1.2 million) fund for the
\ncountry's tourism recovery plan allocated for the current fiscal
\nyear.<\/p>\n
BPPI, designated to handle tourist promotional activities, is
\nburdened with debts of about $21.5 million. Tourist associations
\nand several provinces have urged the government to dissolve the
\nboard, claiming it has been ineffective in raising their profile.<\/p>\n
Previously, the funds used to finance BPPI activities were
\nraised through 20 percent tax imposed on the country's hotels and
\nrestaurants.<\/p>\n
But Marzuki said it would be very hard to raise the funds
\nbecause the country's tourism industry was suffering from a
\ndecline in the number of tourist arrivals. (gis)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-to-fund-tourism-board-1447893297",
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