Bukittinggi gets tourist windfall

PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Recreational areas in Bukittinggi during the past week of holidays were packed, officials said on Wednesday.

Famous tourist attractions such as the Kinantan Cultural and Wildlife Reserve, which is part of the Ford De Kock Fort, attracted up to 2,000 visitors each day.

The head of the reserve, Usmar N., said that they had anticipated the increase of visitors and prepared additional entertainment and attractions such as cultural performances.

"Visitors started to crowd the place on the second day of Idul Fitri (Dec. 28)," he said, adding that it was a windfall for the reserve which could earn some Rp 40 million (US$4,210) each day.

The Bukittinggi area, which depends heavily on tourism, is one of the major tourist attractions in West Sumatra along with Sianok Canyon, Japanese Hole, Gadang Watch, and Panorama.

"But we have to work hard so that more foreign tourists will come to this city," Usmar said.(28/hdn)