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LEMBATA District Government in East Nusa Tenggara province has initiated the development of new tourist destinations in five areas; namely districts of Lembata, Belu, Timor Tengah Utara, and Alor and city of Kupang.
According Deputy Head of Lembata District, Thomas Ola Langoday, said Lembata has initiated the cooperation of the five areas to form new tourist destinations in the north-south region of East Nusa Tenggara province. The local governments fully supported the development of marine and terrestrial tourism in the eastern part of East Nusa Tenggara province.
“The western part of the province has featured tourist destinations, including Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai district, and in Flores Island. Therefore, we try to develop marine tourism in the eastern part of the province as a new tourist attraction, as the region has diverse tourism potential in the sea and the land,” he noted.
He stated that Alor district has a global marine park, and Lembata district offers both mountain and underwater tours. The districts of Belu and Timor Tengah Utara have cross-border tours bordering Timor Leste on Timor Island.
“Kupang city, which has complete facilities and infrastructure, can also be a hub. The local government was ready to budget the procurement of Pinisi Shipbuilding in 2019 to support the new tourist destinations. Pinisi ship will be used to transport tourists to visit the new tourist destinations,” he added.
He ensured to encourage an adequate budgeting every year for the gradual development of tourism as a leading sector to support the regional economy in future. In addition, he also expected support from the provincial and central governments for the construction of supporting infrastructure and transportation.
“For example, we need flight services from Labuan Bajo to Lembata at affordable rates, so that the flow of tourists can spread to various regions,” he remarked. [antaranews/photo special]
