25/07/2011
Indonesia Attracts More Saudi Tourists
Mr. Abdulrahman Dudung, Minister Counselor of the Indonesian Embassy in the Kingdom in a meeting today with Mr. AbdulrahmanAl Wabel
Saudis are increasingly finding Indonesia as one of the most attractive tourist destinations. This was disclosed byMr. Abdulrahman Dudung, Minister Counselor of the Indonesian Embassy in the Kingdom in a meeting today with Mr. Abdulrahman A.Al Wabel, Secretary General of Asahrqia Chamber at the Chamber premises.
Mr. Dudung expected the number of Saudi tourists to Indonesia to exceed 80,000 this year following a lot of promotional activities undertaken by the Indonesian embassy to attract more Saudis. In 2010, over 70,000 Saudis visited Indonesia followed by 57,000 in 2009 and 49,000 in 2008.
Indonesia has many natural tourist attractions as the world's largest archipelagic country with more than 17,508 islands. "If you wish to spend your holidays on the lap of the beautiful nature, then our country is the perfect holiday destination for you", said Mr. Dudung adding that Indonesia is a land of mountains- particularly volcanoes, dense forests, attractive beaches, spectacular natural beauty, which draws the attention of tourists throughout the year. The rich culture and tradition of this country attracts the foreigners who want to experience the culture of Asia, he observed.
"We have an advantage as a Muslim country to attract Saudis," noted Mr. Dudung. He mentioned a number of Indonesian most attractive tourist spots like the National Monument towers, Merdeka Square, Central Museum, Portuguese Church, Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta and other spots in Sumatra, Bali, Sulawesi, Lombok and Banda Islands.
Mr. Dudung invited Saudi businessmen from the Eastern region to visit the upcoming Saudi Agriculture and Agro-Food exhibition to be organized in the Riyadh Exhibition Center on September 19-22 in which 5 Indonesian companies will put on view their foodstuffs and services. He also invited Saudi companies to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia which will take place in Jakarta on October this year.
Mr. Al Wabel described relations between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia as deep-rooted and brotherly but noted that there is scope for further improvement in commercial partnerships between the two countries. He suggested the organization of catalogue shows at Asharqia Chamber for introducing Indonesian products in the Kingdom. He also highlighetd the trade and investment opportunities in the Eastern Province.
Indonesian products have already earned a recognition in the Saudi market since Saudi imports from Indonesia increased to $1.17 billion in 2010 as against $986 million in the previous year. Last year, Saudi exports to Indonesia amounted to $ 4.33 billion as compared to $3.31 billion the year before.
Saudi Arabia has significant investments in Indonesia mainly in its infrastructure, food processing, telecommunications and tourism sectors estimated at $12 billion. For instance, Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) owns 51 percent of Natrindo Telepon Selular (NTS Indonesia) while the Kingdom Hotel Investment (KHI) chaired by Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal, has investments in the Four Seasons Hotels in Indonesia.
