Jakarta, IO – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno ushered in the New Year 2024 in Bintan, Riau Islands (Kepri), and attended the “Escape 2023” event hosted by the Bintan Resort Lagoi tourism area management, PT. Bintan Resort Cakrawala (BRC).
Menparekraf Sandiaga chose Kepri to spend the New Year 2024 after spending the 2021 and 2022 New Year’s Eves respectively in Jakarta and Bali. Menparekraf emphasizes how Kepri serves as one of the main entrances for foreign visitors coming to Indonesia.
“Indonesia has three main entry points for foreign tourists in visiting the country: Bali, Jakarta, and Bintan. This is my third year welcoming the foreign visitors and I would like to commend and motivate everyone involved in tourism in Kepri. Kepri was the tourism destination most affected during the pandemic. This is the moment for Kepri to get back up and revive its tourism industry. We are supporting Kepri and I am glad and grateful to welcome 2024 in Kepri,” stated Minister Sandiaga Uno, Monday, January 1, 2024.
Menparekraf extended his appreciation toward the Riau Islands Provincial Government, the Riau Islands District Government, and all tourism stakeholders who continue to show enthusiasm and commitment in making the tourism sector a flagship in the Riau Islands.
“I commend Mr. Abdul Wahab and partners at Bintan Resort. This is the first time for us to celebrate the year-end festivities following the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage other event organizers to promote the “Just visit Bintan,” or “Simply tour in Riau Islands” tourism movement, as Bintan and Kepri hold extraordinary resources; we saw how the local economy grew and progressed through tourism,” said Sandi.
Despite the General Election which will take place in 2024, Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno continues to encourage people to continue traveling. He believes that the new year will spur tourism and creative economy sectors.
“We all hope that Bintan will continue to rise and 2024 will provide more opportunities for the tourism industry. I am delighted to see how Bintan progresses with numerous hotels under construction and soon to be finished in 2024. Bintan seems to be ready to welcome and hold all manner of MICE events. The Central Government in collaboration with the Provincial Government will support Bintan,” he concluded. (des/ ast)