Tourism industry generates Rp 70 trillion in 2008

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 01/05/2009 1:54 PM  

The Indonesian tourism industry contributed up to Rp 70 trillion towards the nation's economy throughout the course of 2008, an official at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Monday. 

According to the Ministry's Directoral General for Marketing Sapta Nirwandar, the tourism-generated income was driven by fact that 6.45 million foreigners visited the country with each spending up to US$ 1178 per day last year. 

"Even though we are in the midst of a global economic downturn, the Visit Indonesia 2008 program achieved favorable results," Sapta said, as quoted by kompas.com. 

That's why the program will continue in 2009, he said. 

Sapta added that due to the ongoing economic decline, the government would still focus its promotion efforts within Southeast Asia. (amr)