Kulon Progo Tourism Office Encourages Sermo Reservoir To Become Astronomical Tourism

KULON PROGO - The Tourism Office of Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), is encouraging the Sermo Reservoir tourist attraction to become an astronomical tourism area in order to boost tourist visits and regional income from the tourism sector.

Head of the Kulon Progo Tourism Office, Joko Mursito, said that initially the development of the astronomical tourism area was projected at the Nglinggo-Tritis Tea Garden in Kapanewon / Samigaluh District, but in its development the tourist attraction was developed as a geo heritage area with many ancient volcanoes there.

"The main reason for the development of the Sermo Reservoir as an astronomical tourism area is the second contributor to regional original opinion (PAD) after Glagah Beach. Then, another reason, namely the location is also possible," said Joko Mursito as reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 8.

Dinpar Kulon Progo has also prepared ten units of monocular telescopes for monitoring celestial bodies, such as stars and meteors. These ten telescopes will later be used to promote astronomical activities at the Sermo Reservoir tourist destination.

In addition, to complement the development of astronomical tourist destinations in the Sermo Reservoir, the Kulon Progo Disparity also encourages local tourism managers to prepare supporting tour packages. Among them are camping activities along the circumference of the Sermo Reservoir.

"For this astronomical tourist destination, it can be conceptualized with a camp or camp filled with star monitoring activities at certain times," said Joko.

As a step in realizing the development of astronomical tourism, the Kulon Progo Disparity has started by holding the 2022 Star Camp Festival on 28-29 May 2022. The activity was carried out to show the potential of the Sermo Reservoir as a tourist destination that is able to support the monitoring of celestial objects and other astronomical activities.

"The development of astronomical tourism destinations in the Sermo Reservoir, if successful, will serve as a pilot project. Considering that there are many other destinations in Kulon Progo that have similar characteristics to the Sermo Reservoir," said Joko.