VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Tourism Minister, Arief Yahya along with Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas launched Banyuwangi calendar of event "Majestic Banyuwangi Festival 2019" at Balairung Soesilo Soedarman, Sapta Pesona building Jakarta on Tuesday night (30/1). Met after the event, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya explained his consideration to make Banyuwangi as a tourism special economic zone.

"There were 77 events in Banyuwangi last year and Tourism Ministry has stated Banyuwangi as the best festival city in Indonesia. Now we are having a survey to know how much the impact for the people's economy. The case is the more festivals are held in Banyuwangi, the more prosperous the people of Banyuwangi will be. There are also foreign investors present here tonight. They will invest in Banyuwangi. We also hope Banyuwangi will be one of better and more developed tourism special economic zones.” said Arief Yahya.

The decision of making Banyuwangi as the best festival city is in accordance with the development of events in Banyuwangi which grows rapidly and involves whole elements of society so that it increases the people’s welfare. Banyuwangi Regent, Abdullah Azwar Anas said according to a survey conducted by Bank Indonesia, 76 percents of foreign tourists visited Banyuwangi last year. The number becomes a measure for the regional government to continuously improve tourism facilities needed by the tourists. (VOI/NK/AHM)