Tourism to recover this year

Tourism to recover this year

JAKARTA (JP): Tourism in Indonesia should begin recover after
political stability is restored following the general election in
June, according to the Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture.

Marzuki Usman said at a meeting with German travel agents and
writers here on Monday that he was optimistic that tourists would
return to Indonesia in their former numbers once political
uncertainties here have been resolved.

"A restoration of political stability will have a positive
impact on all sectors of the economy. In 1999, we are optimistic
that we can attract 3.5 million foreign tourists, just like in
1998," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

One member of the visiting delegation suggested that Indonesia
should make a greater effort to promote itself abroad and to
explain the political situation here.

Marzuki replied that Indonesia would have difficulty funding
any such campaign.

"Many of our tourism promotion offices abroad have been closed
and their tasks temporarily taken over by our embassies and
Indonesian overseas student associations," Marzuki said. (02)