Bukittinggi gets tourist windfall

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)