REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PALEMBANG -- The South Sumatra administration is intensifying its efforts to develop tourism in a bid to boost the province's economy and improve the public's welfare.

Tourism just needs better management and will not deplete like natural resources, Irene Camelyn Sinaga, the acting head of the South Sumatra provincial cultural and tourism office, stated here, Wednesday.

South Sumatra has numerous tourism attractions that have the potential to further develop its economy.

For instance, the scenic Mount Dempo has the potential to attract foreign tourists, she noted.

The province's abundant cultural attractions and historical remains can also lure tourists, she added.

The annual Triboatton competition and several international sports events frequently organized in the province are expected to help promote the province's tourism at home as well as overseas, she remarked.

The Musi River is the most interesting landmark in South Sumatra and has become a tourism icon of the province.

Some three million tourists visited South Sumatra last year, and the province has set a target to attract five million tourists this year.

In the meantime, the Palembang municipal administration has invited the private sector to participate in the city's tourism development activities.

"It is difficult to rely on the government's funds, which are very limited. Meanwhile, the government wants to accelerate the construction of development projects. The most realistic strategy is to invite the private sector to participate in the projects," Sudirman Teguh, an expert staff of the Palembang municipality administration, stated.

He cited infrastructure, human resources and regulations as the three factors that could affect tourism development.

Tourism-related regulations pose no problem as the tourism sector and creative economy have become the priority for the city's development, he remarked.

With regard to human resources, he hoped that the residents of Palembang would increase their knowledge about the city's tourism attractions and help promote them.

Regarding infrastructure, the city will invite third parties to develop additional infrastructure needed to boost tourism, such as the construction of more hotels.

Palembang city has the potential to develop religious, culinary, shopping, and historical tourism attractions, he stated.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika