Lake Toba festival to promote tourism

Lake Toba festival to promote tourism

PARAPAT, North Sumatra: The Lake Toba Festival is expected not
only to attract tourists, but also to encourage the local Batak
people to preserve their culture and tradition.

Governor Raja Inal Siregar said when opening the four-day
event on Thursday that the activities are not meant to merely
entertain, but also to educate people of the importance of their
heritage.

Around 265,000 foreign tourists visited the province last
year, representing a 10-percent increase from 1993 with 198,807
tourists.

The festival, which will end tomorrow, is marked with numerous
activities, including an exhibition featuring the wealth of arts
and cultures of the province's 11 regencies.

A number of contests, including a vocal group competition, are
also being held. The festival also features the traditional Batak
opera, as well as several sports tournament including mountain
bike and boat races. (imn)