Preparations For Sail Raja Ampat 2014 Already 50 Pct Finished

Jakarta, March 26 (Antara) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said preparations for "Sail Raja Ampat 2014" to be held in June this year had been 50 percent wrapped up. "We are confident the Sail Raja Ampat 2014 would be successful," Mari said here on Wednesday. The opening ceremony to promote the tourist destination an area of 1,700 small islands in Papua, will take place on June 21 to be attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Mari said the Sail Raja Ampat 2014 would be more attractive than in the previous years with a parade of tourist vessels close to the coast. There are around 3,000 participants in the promotional event to enjoy the natural beauty of Raja Ampat, including panorama under the sea that attracts world class divers, she said. During her recent visit to Raja Ampat, the minister officially commissioned the operation of a new ferry ship serving the route between Sorong on the main island and Waisai in the Raja Ampat everyday.