East Java to hold travel expo

SURABAYA: East Java will hold Majapahit Travel Fair '99 to attract more foreign tourists to the province following the success of the Bali Travel Mart in June, a spokesman for the regional tourist service said.

"At least five airlines have confirmed they will bring tour operators from other countries to the fair, which will be held here from Nov. 8 to 11," Wayan Yona, the head of the regional tourist service, said on Thursday.

"Most of the visitors will be accommodated by Casa Grande, an international four and five-star hotel association," he said as quoted by Antara.

The airlines involved in the event are Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Royal Brunei, Thai Air and Eva Air, Wayan said, adding the fair would be held at the Westin Hotel.

Various tourist attractions in the province will be promoted to the foreign tour operators, including Mt. Bromo, Batu, an apple-producing region in Malang, and Plengkung beach in Banyuwangi, he said.

A seminar on tourism featuring former minister of tourism, post and telecommunications Joop Ave as the keynote speaker will be held in conjunction with the event, he said, adding that East Java's handicrafts and traditional arts would be displayed during the event.