Jakarta Tourism Industry Grows 10.32 Pct

Jakarta, Oct 16 (Antara) - Jakarta`s tourism industry grew by 10.32 percent in 2013 and this year it is expected to reach over 10 percent, a tourism industry official said. "Jakarta`s tourism attractiveness includes its natural resources and cultural richness. It also offers low cost to lure tourists," Jakarta Tourism and Cultural Service Chief Arie Budiman said on Wednesday. He said that in economic term, tourism was able to contribute significantly to the city`s economic growth and provide benefit to various sectors. Sectors of tourism industry which experienced good growth included hostelries, food and drinks houses or restaurants, entertainment facilities and services. In 2011, Jakarta developed a total of 8,112 tourism facilities which consisted of 475 hostelries, 3,351 restaurants, 1,299 entertainment centers and 2,987 services. In 2012, a total 8,966 tourism facilities were built which consisted of 493 hostelries, 3,679 restaurants, 1,294 entertainment centers and 3,500 services. Some 10,172 others were built in 2013. They consisted of 511 hostelries, 4,627 restaurants, 1,209 entertainment centers and 3,825 services. "The increasing number of tourist visits gives birth to the stability of Jakarta`s tourism," Arie said. Arie Budiman has earlier said that the Tourism and Culture Office of Jakarta province announced girl group JKT48 as its tourism ambassador to attract more Japanese tourists. JKT48 is a sister group of Japan`s popular girl group AKB48. "Japan is one of the biggest contributors of tourists to Indonesia. Through JKT48, we want to strengthen our tourism promotion in Japan and attract more visitors to Indonesia," Arie stated after signing an MoU with Country CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network (management company of JKT48) Harris Thajeb. According to Arie, JKT48 has been chosen as the brand ambassador for Jakarta tourism for its popularity in Indonesia and Japan. Meanwhile, Harris expressed hope that JKT48`s tourism-promotion activities will strengthen the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Japan. "We hope when the Japanese tourists visit Indonesia, they will not only go to Bali but also to Jakarta. Jakarta has a lot of tourism potential, especially in its city landmarks, street food and the kindness of its citizens," said Harris.