Chinese Tourists Hardly Know Other RI's Destinations But Bali

Beijing, April 8 (Antara) - Most of Chinese tourists hardly know other Indonesian destinations but Bali, Tourism and Creative Economic Minister Mari Pangestu said here on Sunday. Minister Pangestu, who was in China to attend Boao Forum For Asia 2013 in Hainan Province, called on all stakeholders to intensify tourism promotion of the country`s other destinations which are not less attractive than Bali. She said many more Chinese people would travel abroad following China`s positive economic growth. "And this is our opportunity to attract more tourists from China," she stated. Of Indonesia`s total target of nine million tourists this year, one million are expected to come from China. As part of the three-year action program, the tourism ministry has developed 16 new destinations for tourists having specific interests. "The specific interests include tracking, golf, snorkeling, and diving," she added. Chinese President Xi Jinping in his opening address at Boao Forum for Asia 2013 said the number of Chinese tourists traveling abroad reached 400 million people.