Archive for February 21st, 2006
The convicted kingpins of the Bali Nine drug gang, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, will appeal their death sentences.
According to the lawyer representing both of them, Mohammed Rifan, “We did not advise them to ask for clemency because we still have a judicial process to go through.” “We want a fair trial, something that we did not get in the district court.”
Rifan has lodged an appeal at the High Court in Bali, which if not successful, will be followed by an appeal to the Supreme Court in Jakarta. With all the evidence and testimony available, plus backup data from the AFP (Australian Federal Police), convicting the 2 was easy. By refusing to co operate with either the police or the court, Chan and Sukumaran didn’t give themselves much of a chance. I wonder what kind of ‘fair trial’ Rifan is after.
Rifan also lodged appeals for 3 of the ‘drug mules’.
February 21st, 2006
please access information to : http://www.world-tourism.org/calendar/menu.html
(Last update: 20 February 2006)
(Última actualización:7 de febrero de 2006)
(Dernière mise à jour : le 7 Février 2006)
For the full list of all WTO meetings, seminars and conferences organized for 2005, please click here.
The World Tourism Organization welcomes news on future trade shows, seminars and other events from around the world. This calendar of events is based on information provided by the respective organizers. Since organizers may change the dates and/or locations of any of the following meetings without prior notice, interested parties should contact the organizers of the event in advance.
Para consultar la lista completa de seminarios, reuniones y conferencias de la OMT organizados en 2005, por favor pulse aquí.
La Organización Mundial del Turismo recibirá con agrado información sobre futuras ferias comerciales, seminarios u otros eventos de todo el mundo. El calendario de eventos parte de la información suministrada por los respectivos organizadores. Dado que éstos pueden cambiar la fecha o el lugar de cualquier de las reuniones siguientes sin previo aviso, los interesados deberían ponerse antes en contacto con los organizadores del evento.
Pour la liste complète de tous les séminaires, réunions et conférences organisés par l’OMT pendant l’année 2005, cliquer ici.
L’OMT remercie d’avance les organisateurs de lui annoncer les salons professionnels, séminaires et autres manifestations concernant le tourisme prévus dans le monde. Ce calendrier de manifestations est établi à partir des informations obtenues de leurs organisateurs. Comme il se peut toujours que ces derniers modifient, sans prévenir l’OMT, les dates et/ou le lieu des manifestations en question, il est préférable que les personnes intéressées se mettent en rapport avec eux.
Please contact:
Puede ponerse en contacto con:
Prière de s’adresser à :
Department of Press and Communications
World Tourism Organization
Calle Capitán Haya, 42
28020 Madrid, Spain
Tel. (34) 91 567 81 91
Fax (34) 91 571 37 33 / 567 82 18
e-mail: comm@world-tourism.org
February 21st, 2006
Two regional conferences on tourism communications (TOURCOM) will be staged in the first half of 2006, one in Bamako, Mali, for Africa and the other in Rosario, Argentina, for the Americas.
The first event will be organized from 10 to 11 May by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in cooperation with the Malian Ministry of Handicraft and Tourism and will follow the UNWTO Regional Commission meeting.
The majority of the region’s tourism ministers are expected to participate both as speakers or delegates, as are a number of Africa’s prominent journalists, industry leaders, representatives of destination management organizations, international organizations and educators, in all more than 200 participants, opinion leaders and decision makers, from all over Africa and some from Europe.
The Conference will also serve to promote Mali , with its magnificent UNESCO-listed monuments in Timbuktu and Djenné at the edge of the Sahara , as an increasingly successful tourist destination.
A similar event, but adapted to the Americas, will be staged from 28-30 May 2006 in cooperation with the Argentinean Government in Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe. The Argentinean co-organizers expect around 500 to 600 participants from Canada to Tierra del Fuego .
TOURCOM Conferences convey a clear message: professional communications among all stakeholders in tourism, efficient media relations, improved promotion and crisis management capacity are all in service of the development of international tourism. This is the most promising economic branch and for many it is a way of life and a path towards enhanced international cooperation and peace.
“The media,” said one of the speakers at the TOURCOM Middle East and North Africa, last October in Amman , Jordan , “are an equally important partner of destinations to tour operators and airlines”.
The Conferences aim to summarize best practices in the design and implementation of tourism communications applied to tourism destinations and their suppliers, both private and public, and the methods of work, which the news media contribute to the international tourism process. They provide an opportunity for key and middle-level decision-makers concerned with managing destinations and companies to discuss substantial issues and seek answers and solutions to the following questions:
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How do successful destinations communicate their tourism product to the media? What is the role of the public sector in this process? |
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How do the public and private sectors jointly and efficiently pitch to the media? |
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Whom are they talking to? |
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How does a destination organise a communications department? |
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Who speaks on behalf a destination? |
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What kind of messages do the news media, i.e. the journalists, really want and need? |
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How do both, communicators and the media, respond to the ethical issues? |
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What are do’s and don’ts in public relations, domestic awareness campaigns and advertising? |
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Is public (media) relations enough and can they substitute advertising? |
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Can a destination (or a company in supply chain) use humour in their communications and to what extent? |
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How closely linked are tourism communications with local culture and how do they address recipients belonging to completely different cultures? |
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What have we learned from recent negative events such terrorist attacks, tsunami, health threats and political instability? |
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When do crisis communications start and do they exist also in the time of tourism boom? |
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What do the end consumers like to hear and how do we get the message across to them? |
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How should a destination, recently emerged from a crisis situation, such as war or a long period of political instability, communicate? |
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How can governments be persuaded to invest more funds in tourism communications? |
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How do destinations brand themselves and is branding at all possible or necessary in the international tourist markets? |
to Participants learn about international trends, best experiences, mistakes to be avoided, and priorities on which to focus. Government and industry representatives from all participating countries will be invited to share their own views, experiences and plans regarding quality objectives and management in tourism communications. The TOURCOM Conference permits the inclusion of questions and answers on existing tools and imported case studies, and workshops on regional issues.
Another TOURCOM conference is planned for the year 2006, namely for East Europe and Central Asia . It will be held upon a kind invitation of the Government of Georgia in its capital Tbilisi .
Please click often on www.world-tourism.org for technical updates
and on http://www.world-tourism.org/newsroom/menu.htm for reports from previous TOURCOM events
For more information:
Rok Klancnik ,
UNWTO Press and Communications Department
T: (34) 91-567-8191 / F: (34) 91-567-8218, comm@world-tourism.org
February 21st, 2006
IV ST-EP FORUM
Berlin, Friday, 10 March 2006 (from 10:00 to 13:00 hrs.)
ICC Berlin - Hall 7
The Sustainable Development of Tourism Department is organizing the IV ST-EP Forum, to be held in Berlin on Friday 10 March 2006, from 10:00 to 13:00 hours (ICC-Berlin, Hall 7), in the framework of the International Tourism Bourse (ITB). The event will include presentations on recent developments of the STEP initiative as per the provisional programme. The main part of the session will be open to interventions by participants.
If you are interested in participating in the Forum, please fill in the registration form.
February 21st, 2006
Students in the final year of their degree programme or recent graduates of educational institutions are requested to submit their applications for this programme which lasts from 3 months to one year. Priority is given to students and graduates from institutions with WTO TedQual Certification.
For further information
February 21st, 2006
More than one hundred high officials and managers from the tourism sector participated in the Knowledge Management for Excellence in Tourism Destination Governance seminar on January 26 during the Madrid-based FITUR. The seminar was co-organized by the UNWTO Department of Education and Knowledge Management and the WTO.Themis Foundation.
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The seminar was presided over by UNWTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli, Ecuadorian Tourism Minister Mª Isabel Salvador, Andorran Minister of Tourism and the Environment Antoni Puigdellívol Riberaygua, Mexican Undersecretary for Tourism Planning Oralia Rice, Argentine Tourism Secretary Carlos Enrique Meyer, Tabasco (Mexico) Tourism Undersecretary José Nieves, Quintana Roo (Mexico) Undersecretary for Tourism Development Juan Pedro Mercader Rodríguez, Ibero-American Secretariat’s Secretary for Cooperation Miguel Hakim, Spanish Paradores President Antoni Costa i Costa, FEMP Tourism Commission President Josep Mariné, and UNWTO Director of Education and Knowledge Management/ WTO.Themis Foundation Executive President Eduardo Fayos-Solà.
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The seminar provided a forum for high officials of UNWTO Member State Tourism Administrations—from the national, regional, and local levels—to exchange views on the application of a key tourism policy tool: knowledge management.
During the sessions, several presentations highlighted WTO Knowledge Management programmes applicable to destination governance, with special attention placed on the WTO.Sbest Initiative. Other presentations featured concrete case studies and experiences from the past year, especially within Ibero-America.
The experts panels that convened during the afternoon focused upon specific aspects of destination management in Spain—in areas such as Barcelona, Costa Dorada, Peñíscola, Málaga, Valencia and Sierra Calderona —and Latin America—in areas such as the Argentine city of San Martín de los Andes and the Mexican state of Tabasco.
The seminar also examined the issues of destination competitiveness and sustainability, positioning in increasingly complex national and international markets, instruments to manage resource conservation, client loyalty (quality), and efficiency of products and services (profitability).
This initiative, initiated by the Department of Education and Knowledge Management, responds to the commitment made by UNWTO during the recent General Assembly in Dakar to formally address destination-related issues (by creating the WTO Destination Council) and to establish activities, programmes, and networks for collaboration among destinations.
February 21st, 2006
Indonesia’s tourism should start to show signs of “definite improvement” by the second half of 2006, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli said following a meeting with the country’s president in Jakarta.
“Support to Indonesia is part of our mission for international solidarity in times of crises,” was the message Mr. Frangialli took to President H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as he praised the government for the positive and timely actions taken to counteract the “series of shocks” that had severely hit tourism to the country in the last few years.
“ Indonesia was not able to join in the success of other Asian destinations which achieved an average seven per cent growth in 2005, and the first half of 2006 will continue to be a difficult period for the tourism industry,” said Mr Frangialli.
But tourism did not collapse even with these repeated shocks, as crises continued to become an accepted part of tourism life. “The situation is encouraging and will definitely improve in the second half of the year. One year on from the tsunami, the future of tourism for Indonesia looks as bright and promising as before.”
The president, in his reply, emphasized the need to promote international tourism and committed his country to work with UNWTO in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals, while Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik told him the country was pushing ahead with a promotional campaign in key markets such as Australia , Japan , South Korea and Taiwan .
The Secretary-General arrived in Indonesia ahead of a UNWTO International Conference on Cultural Tourism and Local Communities, part of the Organization’s recovery support programme for the country, being staged in Yogyakarta from 8-10 February.
UNWTO’s first major event in the Asia-Pacific region this year, the conference has attracted more than 300 participants from 29 countries and various international organizations, to discuss leading issues such as how to develop tourism products for historical sites and the potential of cultural tourism to benefit local communities.
“ Poverty alleviation in the developing world is one of the foremost issues of our time,” Mr Frangialli said at the opening ceremony. “As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the UNWTO is committed to assisting the international community towards the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals, in particular the reduction of extreme poverty.”
Cultural tourism could contribute significantly to this objective, especially in cities like Yogyakarta with its “world-class tourist attractions”.
For further information please contact:
UNWTO Press and Communications Department
T: (34) 91-567-8191 / F: (34) 91-567-8218, comm@world-tourism.org
http://www.world-tourism.org
February 21st, 2006
In the heart of Asia lies a land of many cultures, wonders and attractions. It’s a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other people live together in peace and harmony. It is also a land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon primitive longhouses. Blessed with natural wonders galore, it is perfect for a memorable eco-holiday. With some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, it is ideal for island getaways. Experience Asia in Malaysia.
Mount Kinabalu,Sabah
Towering above Sabah’s landscape, Mount Kinabalu is one of South-east Asia’s highest mountains at 4,093m. The mountain is the crown of the Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, located 60 miles from Sabah’s capital - Kota Kinabalu.
The summit, Low’s Peak, is named after the British explorer Hugh Low who made the first - unsuccessful - attempt to reach the summit in 1851.
The lower slopes of the mountain are carpeted with some of the world’s most diverse flora and fauna, including the Rafflesia - the world’s largest flower, orchids, pitcher plants, orang-utans, gibbons, anteaters, and hundreds of bird species.
Kedah - The Rice Bowl of Malaysia
Kedah Darul Aman (Kedah’s official name) lies between Perlis in the north and Perak to the south and forms one of the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. It has an area of 9,425sq km and has a population of more than 1.5 million people.
Primarily agricultural, Kedah offers a pleasant rural landscape which can take on different hues depending on the seasons of the padi.
The countryside is greenest when the newly planted padi is sprouting, turns a golden yellow at harvest time and turns into a brown, earthy hue after the harvest.
It appears that much may lie hidden under the rolling plains of rice, for Kedah was once the cradle of an ancient civilization, the threads of which are just beginning to emerge from slow excavations of various historical sites found in the state.
Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah and the seat of government and royalty. It is also the main commercial centre of the state. Langkawi, the most well-known cluster of islands on the peninsula, and a huge tourist draw, falls under Kedah’s jurisdiction.
Perak -The Silver State
As you leave the busy hub of Selangor and head north towards Perak, the character of the land changes from an urban profile to a scenic, undulating rural landscape. Here and there, you will spot pleasant plots of farmland and rustic plantations set against a background of green jungle and rugged limestone hills.
Covering some 21,000 sq.km., Perak lies between Kedah in the north and Selangor to the south. The Main Range mountains cut across the state of Perak, lying in dramatic juxtaposition to the flat plains of the western coastline.
Often referred to as ‘The Land of Grace’ for its laid-back, timeless beauty, Perak is divided into nine districts and its major towns include Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping Teluk Intan and Lumut.
Ipoh is the administrative centre and state capital while Kuala Kangsar is the royal town.
Each district has its own characteristic beauty and history, and tourist attractions include old-style Anglo-Malay and Chinese mansions, colonial buildings, ancient limestone caves, temples and cool hill areas like the Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) station.
The astute visitor will notice that the way of life is a little different here as compared to the Central region around the capital KL. There is a quiet urbanity as the locals go about their lives. The food is rated as some of the best in the country and visitors from other states often stop over at the restaurants and food centres in the state.
Perak has a western coastline facing the Straits of Malacca and not far off its coast are a number of offshore islands. The nearest is Pangkor Island off the coastal town of Lumut. Pangkor’s unique island lifestyle offers visitors a variety of experiences and some outstanding beaches.
Kelantan - The Cradle of Malay Culture
One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan Darul Naim (the state’s official name) has an area of 14,920sq.km.
It borders Thailand in the north, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the east and Pahang in the south.
Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan and the main towns are Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah, Tumpat and Gua Musang.
Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings.
Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state and the handicrafts they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and cloth, are some of the best in Peninsular Malaysia. The Kelantanese seem to favor huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.
Terengganu is a Malaysian state endowed with a wealth of spellbinding - and enjoyable - natural landscapes. Terengganu, it is often said, has the most amazing geographic and natural diversity out of all the states in the nation. Few visitors would disagree…
She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and much, much more. Her miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters stretch the length of its 225km coastline from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the south.
Her islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating in the country. From its myriad of colourful pastimes, which include batik printing and songket weaving, to the celebration of its many generations of cultural and traditional heritage, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state.
Terengganu’s population, which stands at just over 1 million, consists of 90% Malays, with the rest being made up of Chinese and Indians. The pace of life in Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, and all the towns and villages in Terengganu is unhurried.
Terengganu’s history goes back to the 1st century AD and has long been an important repository of Malay culture.
Pahang - Adventures off the Beaten Track
Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the 35,960 sq.km. state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and nature’s wonders.
The country’s premier national park, Taman Negara as well as the Endau Rompin State Park contain an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The state also has the distinction of being the home of the first Ramsar heritage site at Lake Bera. The Orang Asli, or indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add color to Pahang’s heritage.
Pahang’s long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches washed by the South China Sea. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as some of the region’s most popular beach resorts, captivating sun seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attractions and pristine charm.
The formidable Main Range divides the state into east and west, and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the peninsula, provides challenging adventures for serious climbers. The state’s mountainous terrain has also endowed it with several invigorating hill stations, ideal for fun-filled family holidays.
Genting Highlands, dubbed the city of entertainment, and Bukit Tinggi, a French-themed resort, are excellent getaways situated an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Kuantan, the state capital, is an interesting mix of modern buildings and charming cottage industries. Pahang’s majestic nature, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique handicrafts and delicious food make for a mesmerizing and unforgettable vacation. Come, discover this gift of nature!
Selangor
A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and tradition - Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which piques your interest throughout your stay.
Let the city’s warmth embrace you and lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, culture and sophistication. Explore every nook and corner, and discover captivating sights, sensational sounds and aromatic smells.
When you are done, treat your palates to Kuala Lumpur’s various cuisine; it is a tasty adventure in itself! And, just when you think that’s all to be discovered, there are more to explore and experience in Kuala Lumpur!
Johor - Southern Gateway
Johor, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, consists of eight districts: Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Kluang and Segamat. Johor has a long coastline flanked by the Straits of Malacca on its western seaboard and the South China Sea on the east.
Its vast landscape is characterised by plantations of pineapple, rubber, coconut and oil palm on the fringes at which nestle tranquil kampungs and quaint fishing villages.
Retaining much of its natural splendour, the state has miles of golden sand beaches and beautiful offshore islands with clear waters which are excellent for diving. The state is also endowed with several internationally-acclaimed forest reserves.
Nature lovers will find the Endau-Rompin National Park located on the Johor-Pahang border an unforgettable experience.
This lush and virgin lowland dipterocarp forest is home to several rare and endangered species, including the two-horned rhinoceros. Its hills have been estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.
Johor also has some of the best golf courses in the country.
Sarawak - Land of the Hornbills
Situated on the north-western coast of Borneo, the Land of Hornbills beckons the visitor with its rich rainforests, intricate rivers, pepper, and the diverse lifestyles of its indigenous people.
Sarawak shares its boundaries with Indonesia’s Kalimantan in the south and Brunei and Sabah in the north-east. Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state, covering an area of 124,450sq.km. and is divided into nine Divisions with the city of Kuching as its capital.
Two-thirds of its land is under rainforests and its population of 1.7 million is made up of 23 ethnic groups. Sarawak is best known for its natural and cultural wonders.
Sabah - Land Below the Wind
Often called the ‘Land Below the Wind’ because it lies below the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East Malaysia’s second largest state with an area of 74,500sq.km.
Sabah has the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east with a total coastline of some 1,440 km.
Sabah is mountainous with lush tropical rainforests. Its population of nearly two million is made up of 32 colourful ethnic communities.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital, is a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and administrative activity is concentrated.
It is the eastern gateway to Malaysia with direct air links to Brunei, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and Taiwan.
February 21st, 2006
Pintu gerbang utama untuk mengunjungi Pulau Cubadak adalah melalui Kota Padang, Sumatra Barat. Untuk mencapai Padang ada berbagai macam cara yang bisa ditempuh, yakni melalui udara, laut dan udara.
Dari Singapura, melalui udara tersedia penerbangan tiga kali seminggu yang dilayani oleh Silk Air, anak perusahaan Singapore Airline. Waktu tempuh dari Singapura ke Padang atau sebaliknya sekitar 45 menit saja.
Sedangkan dari Jakarta tersedia enam kali penerbangan dalam sehari yang dilayani oleh Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Airlines, Batavia Air dan Bali Air. Rute Padang-Jakarta atau sebaliknya dapat ditempuh dalam waktu sekitar 1 jam 25 menit saja. Di samping rute-rute ini masih terdapat juga flight setiap hari dari Medan ke Padang dengan Mandala dan Merpati Airlines.
Sementara mereka yang lebih suka jalur laut, tersedia satu kapal penumpang dalam satu minggu dari Jakarta ke Padang dan sebaliknya.
Tarif akomodasi di Pulau Cubadak memang relatif mahal, karena harus dibayar dengan dolar dan juga sudah termasuk biaya antar jemput ke bandara. Bagi yang ingin tarif murah meriah, sebaiknya cukup minta dijemput di Pantai Carocok, Tarusan.
Dari Bandara Tabing, Anda bisa menggunakan taksi. Karena jarak Padang-Carocok hanya sekitar 60 km, sebaiknya Anda melakukan tawar-menawar dulu sebelum naik taksi. Sebagai catatan, sebagian besar taksi di Padang tidak menggunakan argometer. Perkiraannya, tarif taksi yang layak untuk jarak itu adalah sekitar Rp100.000. Jadi kalau Anda lihai menawar tarifnya bisa lebih murah.
Untuk yang ingin berhemat, ada baiknya menggunakan bus umum dari bandara. Caranya, pilih angkutan kota (angkot) menuju Simpang Duku-By Pass dengan tarif Rp1.000. Dari Duku Anda kemudian melanjutkan perjalanan dengan angkot menuju Terminal Aie Pacah dengan tarif sama. Di Terminal ini, perjalanan dilanjutkan dengan menggunakan bus Painan Indah yang biasa berangkat setiap jam 13.30 WIB. Biayanya Rp. 9.000.
Setelah menempuh perjalanan sekitar satu jam, pastikan Anda turun di Simpang Tiga Pantai Carocok, Kecamatan Tarusan, yang terletak sekitar 19 kilometer sebelum Painan. Jangan salah, sebab di Painan juga ada Pantai Carocok. Nah dari Simpang Tiga Carocok Anda harus naik angkot atau naik ojek motor untuk mencapai Pantai Carocok yang berjarak 3,5 kilometer. Di dermaga Carocok ini sudah menunggu kapal motor yang akan membawa Anda ke Pulau Cubadak.
Agar acara jalan-jalan lebih oke, ada baiknya menghubungi Pengelola Pulau Cubadak, Kec. XI Tarusan, Kab. Pesisir Selatan di Jl. Diponegoro 13, Padang atau agen wisata Ina Tours di Padang. Serta, mengakses www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com untuk melihat gambaran pulau cantik itu serta fasilitasnya. (budi putra-tempo news room)
February 21st, 2006
Obyek wisata Tiga Gili (pulau kecil) Terawangan, Meno dan Gili Air, Kecamatan Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) semakin diminati wisatawan mancanegara maupun nusantara.
Seorang pengelola penginapan di Gili Terawangan, H Haeruddin di Terawangan, Selasa mengatakan, ratusan wisatawan domestik dan mancanegara berkunjung ke obyek wisata ini setiap hari dan lebih ramai lagi pada hari-hari libur.
“Dalam beberapa bulan terakhir wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Gili Terawangan selalu ramai, sehingga hampir semua penginapan yang ada di obyek wisata ini penuh,” katanya.
Dikatakannya, wisatawan tertarik berkunjung ke Gili Terawangan selain karena pemandangan alamnya indah terutama bawah laut juga dikenal sebagai obyek wisata yang paling aman di Lombok Barat, karena warganya ikut menjaga keamanan dan ketertiban di obyek wisata ini.
Dia mengatakan, kasus pencurian terutama barang-barang milik wisatawan sangat jarang terjadi di obyek wisata ini, karena itu para turis yang menginap tidak jarang menaruh barang-barang di luar kamar hotel termasuk uang mereka.
“Kalau terjadi pencurian di obyek wisata Terawangan, maka pelakunya dengan mudah bisa ditangkap, karena semua warga sudah bersatu untuk mencegah terjadinya kasus tersebut. Jika terjadi pencurian maka semua orang digeledah ketika akan menyeberang keluar dari Gili Terawangan,” katanya.
Pernah terjadi tersangka pelaku pencurian dihakimi massa hingga meninggal dunia. Sekarang ini tidak pernah lagi terjadi kasus pencurian di obyek wisata ini.
Selain itu obyek wisata Gili Terawangan bebas polusi udara, karena di pulau ini hingga kini dilarang keras beroperasi kendaraan bermotor. Yang menjadi transportasi hanya sepeda dayung dan `cidomo` (alat transportasi pedesaan sejenis kereta kuda).
Selain itu di obyek wisata yang ramai dikunjungi wisatawan mancanegara ini juga tidak ada anjing.
Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Lombok Barat, Drs Tjok Suthendra Rai Kunjungan wisatawan ke Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) mulai meningkat sejalan dengan kian kondusifnya situasi keamanan baik regional maupun nasional.
Arus kunjungan wisatawan tahun 2005 hingga akhir Juli tercatat 109.161 orang, naik sekitar 36 persen dibandingkan dengan periode yang sama tahun 2004 sebanyak 79.790 orang.
Dari kunjungan tersebut ternyata wisatawan mancanegara lebih banyak, dari 109.161 orang yang berkunjung ke Lombok Barat tercatat 64.240 orang wisatawan mancanegara, sisanya sebanyak 44.911 orang wisatawan domestik
February 21st, 2006
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