REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu said that Indonesia had opportunities to enhance its tourism sector in ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015. There are some factors showing these opportunities.

First, contribution of tourism sector to national economy was higher in recent years, about 10-17 percent of total export goods and services. It gave the largest contribution to foreign exchange earning worth 10 billion USD.

Second, the competitiveness of tourism sector in Indonesia increased from 74th to 70th out of 140 countries. Indonesia was ranked fourth in ASEAN region. Government continues to improve human resources quality by certifying 58,627 workers of tourism in Indonesia.

"Tourist sector is ready in all aspects, including its human resources," Pangestu said recently as reported by Hazliansyah.

Ministry of Tourism has established standardization for industry, such as hotels. There are nine standards, including green hotel concept. Indonesia has been appointed as Regional Secretariat to facilitate the implementation of Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of professional tourism workface.

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