Krakatau festival targets tourists

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: This month's Krakatau Festival is expected to draw 2,000 foreign tourists to the shores of Southern Lampung, an official said.

Some 500 foreigners have confirmed their attendance to the festival, which is planned for Aug. 22 through Aug. 25, Lampung provincial administration spokesman Hotman Atiek said on Saturday.

"We hope their number will increase by the time the festival begins," Hotman told Antara.

The 8th Krakatau Festival is jointly organized by the Lampung Provincial Administration and the Krakatau Lampung Tourist Development Corporation, which is currently developing the Kalianda Adventure and Recreational Park in South Lampung.

Festival attractions will include fishing with kites, an elephant safari, the Krakatau 10-K road race, fireworks and fashion shows. There will also be jet ski and sailing competitions, the organizers said.

Head of Lampung's tourist office, Tarmizi Ali, said this event is aimed at introducing the Indonesian culture to foreigners, strengthen environmental awareness and boost tourism.

Last year, the number of visitors to the province rose by 7 percent, totaling 22,916 foreign tourists and 374,664 Indonesian tourists visiting Lampung.

This year, Lampung is vying for a 15 percent increase, aided by the Krakatau festival, Tarmizi said. (09)