REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KENDARI -- The government has allocated Rp20.5 trillion, or some US$1.5 billion, to develop tourism in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, over the next three years from 2016 to 2019, Wakatobi District Head Hugua stated here, Wednesday.

"Starting this year until 2019, the government will be developing tourism in Wakatobi to rival Bali," Hugua noted.

The Wakatobi Tourism Authority is involved in the development process by utilizing the allocated funds comprising Rp8 trillion from government spending and the rest Rp12.5 trillion in the form of private investments.

This year, the authority will build a hospital of international standard in Wakatobi.