Mabar Community To Welcome Sail Komodo 2013 Participants

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, July 9 (Antara) - The Manggarai Barat (Mabar) district administration will involve the local community to welcome the apex of Sail Komodo 2013 in September. "Sail Komodo is an international marine event. Therefore we will involve the local community and all public elements because we want to be good host by providing a positive impression to all tourists and guests who will come to Labuan Bajo for the peak event of the sail," Mabar administration secretary Rofinus Mbon said here on Tuesday. Rofinus noted that Mabar district government has been ready to host the apex of Sail Komodo in Labuan Bajo, which is to be attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in September this year. Concerning the accommodation in Labuan Bajo, Rofinus said that although there are only three star rated hotels, it will be enough for the guests and participants of Sail Komodo. "In Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat district on Flores island, there are 40 hotels including three star rated ones with a total of 575 rooms and 770 beds to accommodate the guests and participants of the international marine event," he noted. But he expressed his hope that the guests and participants of Sail Komodo would understand the real condition in Manggarai Barat because the area has just been a tourist destination in East Nusa Tenggara for the past few years. "I am optimistic that more star rated hotels will be built in Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat district, in years to come following a rapid development of tourism there," Rofinus said. Meanwhile, East Nusa Tenggara Tourism and Creative Economy Regional Office Chief Abraham Klakik said all Sail Komodo participants when arriving in Kupang would be divided into south and north shipping routes to sail through all the districts in the islands province. "They will all meet in Labuan Bajo in September for the peak event in September before they continue sailing to other parts of Indonesia," Abraham said. According to him, Sail Komodo 2013 aims to promote East Nusa Tenggara as the entry point of yachts and cruise ships from Asia-Pacific, and Australia. "Besides, the event will motivate the local people to make tourism sector a source of their income," Abraham noted.