Tourism Minister hails Banyuwangi as successful model for regional tourism development

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has stated that the Banyuwangi Regency Government in East Java has been consistent and serves as a successful example of regional tourism development through various innovations. “Thanks to its consistent commitment and innovation, Banyuwangi has become one of the successful examples of regional tourism development in Indonesia,” said Widiyanti during a working visit to Banyuwangi from Saturday (25/7) to Sunday (26/7). According to her, Banyuwangi is one of Indonesia’s premier destinations, offering extraordinary natural and cultural wealth. The Tourism Minister said the Banyuwangi government’s efforts to develop tourism could be applied in several other regions. During her two-day working visit in Banyuwangi, Widiyanti visited the Marina Boom Beach tourist attraction and toured the private yacht pier. She also visited the Ijen Geopark Geological Information Centre, an educational hub about the geopark in Banyuwangi. In addition, the Tourism Minister visited the Osing Traditional Village in Kemiren Village, where she was welcomed by the sounds of Othek music and paglak angklung typical of the Osing tribe, played by local women. Widiyanti announced she would provide special mentoring for Kemiren Village, which has received the Upgrade Programme of Best Tourism Villages 2025 from UN Tourism, with the hope of elevating its status to Best Tourism Village. “Hopefully, after this mentoring programme is completed, Kemiren Village can achieve the title of Best Tourism Village,” she said. Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed gratitude to Tourism Minister Widiyanti for her continued support in developing Banyuwangi’s tourism potential. “For Banyuwangi, tourism is a major umbrella driving development, but without losing our identity and cultural character. Banyuwangi possesses a very distinctive cultural and traditional strength that is its main attraction,” Ipuk stated.