Drop in tourism anticipated after bombings

Foreign exchange revenues from tourism are anticipated to fall by 16.5%, amounting to about $6.5 billion, compared to 2008 due to the economic slowdown globally and the terrorist bombings last month.

Jero Wacik, the Minister of Culture and Tourism in Indonesia, said on Tuesday that the condition was not favourable for tourism. Wacik had urged the ministry to maintain its intended number of tourists at a minimum of 5.5 million.

"However, I still hope our maximum target of 6.5 million of tourists", stated Jero. About 6.43 million foreign tourists visited the country last year.

Prior to the 17 July bombings of about two hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia, which killed nine people and injured many, the industry of tourism had revealed a 2.17% increase in foreign travellers visiting Indonesia in the year’s first half, compared to that same period last year.

"I have urged my overseas colleagues to spread the word that Indonesia is still safe for business and pleasure after the bombings", he stated in the opening remark for the presentation of the ‘2009 Indonesian Tourism and Travel Fair’ (ITTF) in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday.

Executive Director Carla Parengkuan of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), stated hotel accommodation rates would remain at 2008’s figure of 60%.