Increase U.S. foreign tourists to Indonesia

Interest of foreign tourists, especially from the United States who visited Indonesia has been increasing since the first trip of President Barack Obama in early November 2010. Pertumnuhan U.S. foreign tourists increased by about 13 percent in 2011, and is expected to continue rising this year.

It was submitted by Vincent Jemadu, Deputy Director of Foreign Promotion of the U.S. and the Pacific Region, Ministry of Tourism and Creative economist at the Indonesian Night in Washington, Thursday (3/1/2012) night.

That growth comes in addition to the promotion, also supported by the Indonesian security conditions are getting better and conducive.

Vinsen, the greeting, explain the increase was made of this ministry to be one of the largest contributors of foreign exchange institution for the state. In 2010, the number of U.S. tourists around 171 528 people, then rose to 194 000 in 2011, up about 13 percent.

This year, the ministry targets to attract foreign tourists 200000-205000 U.S. dollars, up 5 or 6 percent because the U.S. is still the condition of the economic crisis.

Indonesian Night performance event at the University Club of Washington is part of a promotional strategy that targets high-income (high end) in the U.S.. In a club comprised of lobbyists, businessmen, academics, and top politicians in Washington who have a broad impact on the various classes and social groups.

At the time when the U.S. was rocked by the financial and economic crisis, only the upper classes are used as opportunities for Indonesian tourism market. While Indonesia has challenged the tourism imagery. Indonesia is the original market is very sensitive because of the many natural disasters, as well as unfavorable security conditions.

In recent years, said Vinsen, the image of Indonesia in the U.S. as well as in other countries, is getting better. Indonesia for example, be an example of a successful deal with natural disasters and terrorism. Position of Indonesia in international forums are increasingly important, as the Group of 20 (G20).

It was also recognized Ambassador in Washington, Dino Patti Djalal. Conditions are improving, and the strategic position of Indonesia's growing international forum d, strongly supports the growth of the tourism sector. (Pascal S bin Saju of Washington)