The Tourism Ministry took part in the Marine Diving Fair (MDF) in Japan to uphold the marine tourism sector throughout the world. The event was held at the Sunshine City Convention Center in Tokyo from April 5 to 7.
Ardi Hermawan, the assistant deputy of marketing development region II, said in a press release, “The ministry’s participation in this event is to promote Indonesia as one of the favorite marine tourism destinations, especially for diving.”
The promotional effort is expected to increase the number of tourists, thus achieving the target of 20 million international tourists by this year.
Starting in 1993, this event is the biggest and most popular diving tourism fair in Japan. It attracted 50,598 people in 2018, 82 percent of whom are divers and another 18 percent comprising resorts.
The Indonesian pavilion at the event features 15 companies from eight provinces. Most of them are diving locations like North Sulawesi Travel from North Sulawesi, PT. Indonesia Kaktus Wisata Tirta (Poni Divers Bali) from Bali, Lembeh Resort from North Sulawesi, Noah Maratua Resort from East Kalimantan, PT. Putra Papua Baru from West Papua, PT. Bali Ocean Adventure (Blue Season Bali) from Bali, Ena Dive Travel & Marine Adventure from Bali and Cocotinos Hotels & Resorts from North Sulawesi.
Also at the event are Sangalaki Resort from North Kalimantan, Grand Komodo Raja Ampat Dive Lodge from Bali, Siladen Island Resort & Spa from North Sulawesi, Pearl of Papua Indonesia from Central Java, Doberai Private Island from West Papua, Dive Dream from Bali as well as Garuda Indonesia.
There were also presentations by Indonesian diving experts, spa services and cultural performances offered by the Indonesian pavilion, as well as business and consumer meetings and a tourist information service. Indonesia’s world-renowned coffee was also served.
Tourist Minister Arief Yahya said that the MDF is a great opportunity to promote Indonesia’s marine tourism to diving enthusiasts in Japan, which would boost the national tourism industry.
