Destinasi Indonesia September 2013 | Page 56

blitz In Line Water Tourism Phenomenon The event that combines sports and cultural tourism has become an accurate marketing strategy and at the same time actuating the region in developing river and lake tourism What is the obstacle in developing in line water tourism in Indonesia? River and lake management in many countries in Europe has been regulated and laid-out. The in­ frastructures are more organized and easy to care. Indonesia needs different approaches. The devel­ opment of river and lake tourism has already been done in written instruction. What is the way out? The best way is to create agenda with news value that will be the attention of the media. Those two things can motivate the region to work to­ gether to build river and lake tourism. Of course it needs coordination between central and regional government. In this case the role of mass media is very important. Coverage on the process and preparation of infrastructure can spur on the region to bring target into reality. I NDONESIA possesses thou­ sands of unexplored potential fresh water tourism. There are 5.950 drainage basins and 1.575 lakes to benefit as tourist attraction to improve the people’s welfare and at the same time arouse awareness on nature rearing and preservation. How to harmonize raising the potential, marketing and preserva­ tion awareness seems to be the problem. According to Sapta Nirwandar, Deputy Minister of Tourism, the three matters mentioned interrelat­ ed. Many countries are developing potential fresh water tourism which is called in line water tourism. In line with the Tourism Day theme held on September 27th, Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future. Following is part of the interview between Destinasi Indonesia and Sapta Nirwandar on potentials and marketing strategy &promotion related to in line water tourism. Has this been done in the past? Tour de Singkarak, an international scale bike race, has proven this to be an effective way. The re­ gent and his deputy always attend the coordination meeting. On a certain level the meeting is attended by the governor. Control is done by the media through its coverage. Once there was an inspec­ tion before the event and found out that one region was not ready. As soon as it was in the news, in marathon they finished the work. The event was proven successful and the building of the support­ ing infrastructure went smoothly. People can feel the benefit right away. Will the government hold this type of event on river and lake? This is the most effective way in promoting and marketing the river and lake tourism and at the same time to motivate the regional government and customary society to move forward in building and decorating their region. This is more effec­ tive than just delivering instruction by the central government. What kind event is effective? The combination of sport tourism and cultural 55 tourism, especially an international sports compe­ tition can be a fast way to invite tourist. It has a great news value to be covered by the media. We can &V'&