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THE YOGYAKARTA Special Region (DIY) Tourism Office does not deny that there is a drastic decline in tourist visits during the month of Ramadan.
“The decline in tourist visits during Ramadan can be seen both from hotel occupancy rates and conditions in tourist destinations,” said Head of the DIY Tourism Office Singgih Raharjo, Wednesday (03/29), 2023.
In a situation of decreased visits such as during Ramadan, according to Singgih, there is still a tourism sector that can be relied upon to boost visits. That is religious tourism or pilgrimage tourism.
“Yogya can still play in the pilgrimage tourism sector during Ramadan like this, because there is potential to support it,” said Singgih.
One of the potentials for religious tourism in Yogyakarta during Ramadan, such as the Kotagede historical tourism area which has a track record of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom. “For example, those who want to trace the Islamic Mataram Kingdom can be invited to visit a number of objects centered in Kotagede,” said Singgih.
Objects that are scattered in Kotagede and are interesting to visit such as Purbayan Tourism Village. This village has various clusters of cultural heritage sites and historical buildings. Such as the Dalem Kedaton cluster, which is the former palace of the Mataram kings starting from Panembahan Senopati, Sultan Hanyokrowati and Sultan Agung.
There is also the Alun-alun cluster which in the past was the Mataram Palace area but is now a residential area with the name Kampung Alun-alun. There is also the Cokroyudan cluster which used to be the residence of a prince from the Mataram Palace named prince Cokroyuda.
“Kotagede’s heritage area can become a special interest tour during Ramadan,” said Singgih.
Although tourist visits in Yogyakarta have decreased, according to Singgih, there are also several sectors that are still stretching. Especially culinary tourism which remains crowded with people.
Several typical culinary centers in a number of districts were observed to be visited by residents from various regions adjacent to the region, especially during the fast-breaking period. “Culinary spots, especially those with natural scenery, are still crowded during the iftar period,” said Singgih.
For example, culinary spots with views of rice fields, or on hills such as several spots in Bantul and Gunung Kidul regencies. [sources/photo special]
