Indonesia starts promoting tourism tie-up with PHL

CEBU, Philippines -   Instead of competing against each other to be the top best destination in Asia, the government of the Republic of Indonesia is going to initiate a tourism promotion tie-up with the Philippines to attract travelers from all over the world together.

Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines Kristiarto S. Legowo announced that his government is now negotiating with the Philippine government for a possible joint promotion program that would initially attract more European tourists to visit Indonesia and the Philippines.

Through the Embassy, Legowo said both governments are going to formulate a good promotional campaign that would introduce travel packages that will link Indonesia and the Philippines as a preferred tourism destination in Asia.

Initially, Indonesia had been inviting Filipino travel operators to visit their country in order to forge linkages with Indonesia travel agents, to make mutual promotion programs.

Aside from establishing a joint tourism promotion campaign, Legowo said the Indonesian government is also on its stance to invite more Filipinos to come to their country.

Also, the Philippines is also encouraged to attract more Indonesians to consider the Philippines, as one of their favorite tourism destinations in Asia.

Out of three million foreign tourists visited the Philippines in 2010, only 31,900 Indonesians recorded to have traveled to the Philippines.

This number could improve if both countries will establish a formal tie-up, both in mutual tourism marketing agreement, as well as the joint promotion plan to attract tourists around the world.

Legowo, however mentioned, that one of the challenges for the Philippines to invite more Indonesia tourists to visit the country, is the air accessibility access. He said if given the opportunity that the Indonesia flag carrier Garuda operates the Manila-Jakarta, or Cebu-Jakarta and other airports in Indonesia, more and more Indonesians will start to notice the Philippines.

This will also provide access to other foreign visitors in Indonesia, to extend vacation and holidays to the Philippines, if air access facilities will be widened.

 Cebu for instance, he said could be a good partner in terms of developing mutual tourism marketing agreement, because of its robust tourism sector and unique tourism advantage.

Aside from tourism, the Indonesia government is also intensifying its trade tie-up with the Philippines, in preparation for the one ASEAN community integration.

According to Legowo, the Philippines and Indonesia should never be considered as competition, as each country has its own core of competence, and that there is a huge opportunity for both countries to leverage their respective strengths.

During his recent visit in Cebu, Legowo urged Cebu business community to take advantage of the investment opportunity Indonesia is offering for investors. As well as Cebu, should promote itself to the Indonesian capitalists to put their money here.

According to Legowo, some Indonesian investors have already expressed interest to invest in the booming real estate in Cebu. This will need a closer partnership with Cebu-based businessmen.