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The Ministry of Tourism and the Indonesian Embassy in Laos are promoting Indonesian tourism in countries located in the Indochina region, starting in Vientiane, Laos.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Laos, Pratito Soeharyo, in a press release received by Antara in Jakarta on Sunday stated that Indonesia and Laos had closeness and similarity.

This was conveyed by the ambassador during the sales mission of seven priority destinations in Vientiane on Saturday (Sept 22).

The sales mission was participated by 60 Lao industrial players.

To the participants, Ambassador Pratito expressed his hope that every side would be able to realize connectivity between the two countries in the form of direct flights from Indonesia to Laos and vice versa.

"A direct flight is expected to significantly grow the number of tourist arrivals, from Laos to Indonesia, and vice versa," he said, adding that a direct flight from Luang Prabang to Denpasar, Bali which is available once a week could strengthen connectivity between the two countries.

The Tourism Ministry sees the Indochina region has potentials that can be beneficial for both countries in the future.

The Indochina region has a significant growth rate, reaching approximately seven percent in 2018 which could bring about positive impact to the increase of tourists arrivals from Indochina region.

Laos was made the first country of the Indonesia`s Sales Mission because both nations have a long and strong relationship since the time of the Kingdom of Champa and the kingdoms of the archipelago. In addition, each country has a high concern to increase cooperation in tourism.

Several tourism sites in Indonesia which were showcased at the Sales Mission, including Bandung (West Java), Yogyakarta, and Batam and Bintan (Riau Islands).

In 2018, the Indonesian Embassy and the Ministry of Tourism organized a Fam Trip program for Lao media to visit Indonesian tourist destinations, namely, Jakarta, Bali and Yogyakarta.

In Jakarta, the Lao media were invited to attend the commemoration of the Independence Day on August 17 in Jakarta, followed by a tourist visits to the Old City and ended with enjoying a laser show at the National Museum.

Meanwhile, in Bali, the Fam Trip media participants saw Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, and enjoyed Bali`s famous beaches and foods.

In Yogyakarta, the Lao media were invited to visit Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Mendut Temple, Yogyakarta Palace, Malioboro tourist center, and Parang Tritis beach.

Until September 2018, a number of Lao media regularly introduce Indonesian tourism, especially the ones that were visited by the Fam Trip participants, to the local people. (ANTARA)