Deputy Minister Of Foreign Affairs: GTF Leaders Summit Asia Is Important For Tourism Innovation In The New Normal Era

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar closed the grand event of the Global Tourism Forum (GTF) Leaders Summit Asia. This event is a strong signal for the revival of tourism not only for Indonesia but also for the world.

"This hybrid event is so important and strategic and becomes an innovation to organize MICE in the new normal era and is a strong signal for Indonesia to reopen the tourism business," said Mahendra Siregar in a written statement, Friday, September 17.

"This is the momentum to revisit so that we can rebuild, grow, and prosper in the new normal era," he continued.

According to him, the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) plan to hold an annual event in Indonesia again in 2022 to welcome RI's leadership at the G-20 event also needs to be welcomed positively as a major effort and commitment from this organization.

"We are waiting for further details on how it will be implemented and for the reopening we are following the latest developments. We are learning to get better and always prepare ourselves," said Mahendra Siregar.

The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that his party is actively cooperating and opening the travel corridor and travel bubble.

"In ASEAN and the region, we actively encourage the implementation of the travel corridor and the travel bubble, so we are preparing ourselves for the latest developments in the re-opening of international tourism," he said.

Bulut Bagci, President of WTF also expressed his gratitude for the successful implementation of the GTF and exceeded his expectations with the high commitment of the Indonesian government.

In a special session of ASEAN Ministers led by Menparekraf Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, they shared their experiences in reopening and agreed to immediately open the border.

"I am happy because it is important for every government to support its tourism. Indonesia is serious about supporting its tourism industry and as soon as I arrived in Indonesia I felt at home," said Bulut

Bulut was also impressed that Indonesia has many tourism and aviation schools for the younger generation, they need support and assistance, especially in digital transformation in the future.

"In closing, I want to remind us to always respect local culture and dynamics, which is inspired by our motto: feel global, be local," he said.