REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DOMPU -- Mt Tambora area which has just been given a national park status, is expected to lure domestic as well as foreign tourists to West Nusa Tenggara Province.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya here, Saturday, expressed his optimism that Tambora National Park could become an attractive destination of ecotourism.

"The opportunities here are ecotourism and agrotourism. The accessibility and attraction are good, now mt's only a matter of amenity," the minister said when attending "Tembora Greets The World" event in Doro Ncanga Savana, Dompu.

He said human resources development is crucial in the tourism sector.

The minister hoped Mt Tambora National Park to become one of the national tourism strategic areas.

Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Tourism Office Lalo Mohammad Faozal confirmed that Tambora has become a new tourist destination.

Domu and Bima have become favorite tracking areas. He called on the central government help build supporting infrastructure and intensify tourism promotion abroad.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo emphasized on the importance Mount Tambora National Park, stating that it was an asset that must be preserved and developed to benefit local people.

He made the statement on Saturday while attending the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the explosion of Mount Tambora and the launching of Mount Tambora National Park.

The president ordered local people to preserve and look after the region well to turn it into an ecotourism destination.

"I want you to preserve it and ensure that no one damages it," he told the people.

Jokowi also hopes that the Tambora Festival is organized as an annual event to bring more added value to national tourism.

"I wish this event is held every year to promote tourism in Bima and Dompu. The Tambora Festival must be held annually with funding from the central government so that all know where Dompu, Bima and West Nusa Tenggara are, as well as where Indonesia is," he remarked.

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