More tourists in West Sumatra

More tourists in West Sumatra

PADANG, West Sumatra: Reports of social unrest across the
country have not stopped tourists from visiting West Sumatra.

"Basically, West Sumatra is the second safest province in the
country after Bali. So people can freely visit the area," said
provincial police spokesman Comr. L. Simalango.

Head of the tourism office in West Sumatra Zulkarmin said last
year more than 70,000 tourists visited the province, which is a
20 percent hike from the 58,000 tourists recorded in 1999.

"Most of the visitors come to visit Mentawai island for its
beautiful beaches which are good for water sports such as
surfing," Zulkarmin said, adding that many foreign and domestic
tourists visited Mentawai after visiting Bali and Lombok.(28/edt)