Dutch tourism to Bogor falls

BOGOR (JP): The number of Dutch tourists visiting Bogor has shown a drastic drop lately due to the continual unrest in the nearby capital of Jakarta, an executive of a major local travel agency said.

Azis Windia, director of PT Seranusa Tour & Travel said on Wednesday the plunge in the number of Dutch tourists to Bogor, south of Jakarta, was more visible in November.

"We, for example, used to receive five groups each consisting of 32 Dutch tourists weekly. But the number has kept on falling since November. So far this month we have only received two groups," he said.

According to Azis, the main reasons for the Dutch striking Bogor out of their travel itinerary was the security situation in the capital.

He cited the Nov. 13 shooting at Semanggi and the upheaval in the Ketapang area of West Jakarta on Nov. 22.

"The incidents, vividly shown on television, all looked horrible and had great impact on the foreigners' minds," Azis said.

Many Dutch tourists, especially the elderly, visit Bogor for nostalgic reasons. (24/ivy)