Local leaders to boost tourism

YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to formulate a joint strategy in developing the country's tourism sector, some 200 governors, regents, mayors and heads of tourism offices from throughout the country took part on Wednesday in a tourism conference held here.

Minister of Tourism and Culture I Gede Ardika, who opened the one-day meeting, expressed hope that the conference could yield solutions to help recover the country's deteriorating tourism sector.

Chairman of the conference's organizing committee Titien Soekarya, similarly, said participants would identify opportunities and analyze obstacles to the growth of tourism.

The forum was held as part of the Gebyar Wisata Nusantara (shining tourism of the archipelago) campaign launched on Oct. 12, 2003 in Linggarjati village, Cilimus, Kuningan.

"The conference is also being held to encourage families that travel to explore domestic tourism," Titien said. -- JP