KOMODO-FLORES, Indonesia’s latest Exciting Destination

“We don’t want our clients to fly over ten hours from Europe just for a two-day visit to Komodo, said Heinz Hirter, European tour operator on a fam trip to Flores,as he captured the warm hospitality of the people at the traditional village of Belaraghi on Flores island. “Komodo is surely spectacular, but they (their clients) also need other attractions”, he continued.

Heinz Hirter and 10 other operators from Europe and America were in Flores last October in search of new destinations and tourist attractions.

“Kelimutu and Komodo are the highlights of Flores for the time being, but out there are still a lot of attractions that can be introduced to tourists which can also help raise the welfare of the people of Flores through Tourism” said Ruedi Nuetzi, Asia’s program director of Swisscontact who invited 10 leading tour operators from Europe and 5 from Indonesia to join the Familiarization Trip (Fam Trip) he initiated to find new attractions.

 There are a lot of attractions that deserve to be introduced to the world in order to reduce the burden on the Komodo National Park, which has risen rapidly in popularity but has also become physically threatened by the sudden increase of visitors, said Nuetzi as the group on tour met the heads of each district Tourist Office.

A number of accommodations in Maumere, Moni, Ende, Bajawa and Ruteng are really liked by tour operators who agreed that their clients will enjoy staying at clean, well maintained, and friendly hotels and guesthouses.”Clean bathrooms, fans or air conditioners, warm and friendly staff, -  that will be enough. Add Wi-fi availability, that would be perfect” said John Hessing, Dutch tour operator who specialized his tour packages for those with hearing disabilities.

“We have been sending guests to Indonesia on a regular basis. The package I prepared attracted much attention. I prepared for my clients to stay 22 days in Flores, and I’m convinced that this tour package is very interesting” said Ruud Jansen, travel consultant for a tour operator in the Netherlands.

“The scenery here is spectacular! This is what we need to compose a tour package. Kids and everyone here are always waving and smile joyfully to greet visitors” said James Jeske, tour operator from the U.S.A

Although some local tourist offices were concerned that their regions would only become a one day-transit place, all tour operators convinced them that this will not be the case.

Most important for their clients is that destinations must keep the authenticity of the attractions, find other highlights in their areas, and inform them about this so tourists can stay much longer.  “Instead of staying for just one day, tourists can stay for 10 days if it can be filled with various activities and attractions” said Hank at the cool town of Ruteng, West Manggarai.

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WEST NUSA TENGGARA

The Wallace Line, named after 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, marks a point of transition between the flora and fauna of Western and Eastern Indonesia and acts as the Western boundary of West Nusa Tenggara, which includes Lombok Island and Sumbawa. Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbor, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The South on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absents and replaced instead by large numbers of marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are more prolonged and the land is dry and bush-like, and so in many areas corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice. At first Islam time come to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace what is now called West Nusa Tenggara and is still the religion embraced by those in the west of Lombok, which are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained a unique identifies. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighboring Sumbawa. Soft white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is 'You can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali'. Famous for its 'tenun ikat' hand-woven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and its relatively undiscovered, except for Senggigi City, which becoming a major resort area. Regulars shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya as well as ferries provide excellent transportation links within the islands of the province as well as with the rest of the country.

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The World Nature and Culture Heritage 2011 Exhibition

The World Nature and Culture Heritage (WNCH) 2011 Exhibition , a world class cultural event  participated by over 140 countries  is scheduled to take place at the Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua, from 22^nd to 25^thNovember 2011.  The Exhibition is held alongside the ASEAN Festival and in conjunction with the 6th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Meeting (IGC ICH UNESCO).

The event offers exciting programs of 4 days of business and social networking opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors to meet and discuss business potentials and partnerships.

WNCH2011 offers exclusive opportunities for participants through a comprehensive selection of pre-show, online and onsite sponsorships programs. WNCH2011 can specifically tailor sponsorship opportunities to fit any budget. Over 1000 invited visitors of the most influential leaders in cultural heritage will certainly attend WNCH2011 in Bali this year, not only from the ASEAN countries but also from government members of IGCICH UNESCO. The Exhibition will showcase Creativity, Cultural Diversity, Intangible Heritage, Movable Heritage and Museums, Underwater Heritage and World Heritage.

Among countries participating are: Albania, Argentina ,Azerbaijan, Bangladesh  Belgium, Bhutan , Brazil, Central African Republic, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt , France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary,  India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica,  Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Luxembourg , Madagascar,  Malawi, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and many more.

The event will also exhibit products and services from various organizations, institutions, and businesses such as: Adventure operators; Archeology, Heritage and Folk conservation; Autonomous Regions, County Councils, Municipalities, Councils, Communities; Charters, Transportation Companies; Congress and Incentive organizers; Eco and Agro tourism; Hotels & Resorts, Convention Centers, Wild Life Resorts,. Health Spas and Ayurvedic Centers, Golf Resorts; Handicrafts and gadget manufacturers; National Tourist Organizations, State Tourism Promotion Boards and Tourism Initiative Centers; Transportation: Airlines, Charters, Railways, Passenger Transporters, Car Rentals, Shipping, Cruise liners; and many others.

Detailed Information is available at: http://www.wnch2011.com/

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KOMODO-FLORES, Indonesia’s latest Exciting Destination

“We don’t want our clients to fly over ten hours from Europe just for a two-day visit to Komodo, said Heinz Hirter, European tour operator on a fam trip to Flores,as he captured the warm hospitality of the people at the traditional village of Belaraghi on Flores island. “Komodo is surely spectacular, but they (their clients) also need other attractions”, he continued.

Heinz Hirter and 10 other operators from Europe and America were in Flores last October in search of new destinations and tourist attractions.

“Kelimutu and Komodo are the highlights of Flores for the time being, but out there are still a lot of attractions that can be introduced to tourists which can also help raise the welfare of the people of Flores through Tourism” said Ruedi Nuetzi, Asia’s program director of Swisscontact who invited 10 leading tour operators from Europe and 5 from Indonesia to join the Familiarization Trip (Fam Trip) he initiated to find new attractions.

 There are a lot of attractions that deserve to be introduced to the world in order to reduce the burden on the Komodo National Park, which has risen rapidly in popularity but has also become physically threatened by the sudden increase of visitors, said Nuetzi as the group on tour met the heads of each district Tourist Office.

A number of accommodations in Maumere, Moni, Ende, Bajawa and Ruteng are really liked by tour operators who agreed that their clients will enjoy staying at clean, well maintained, and friendly hotels and guesthouses.”Clean bathrooms, fans or air conditioners, warm and friendly staff, -  that will be enough. Add Wi-fi availability, that would be perfect” said John Hessing, Dutch tour operator who specialized his tour packages for those with hearing disabilities.

“We have been sending guests to Indonesia on a regular basis. The package I prepared attracted much attention. I prepared for my clients to stay 22 days in Flores, and I’m convinced that this tour package is very interesting” said Ruud Jansen, travel consultant for a tour operator in the Netherlands.

“The scenery here is spectacular! This is what we need to compose a tour package. Kids and everyone here are always waving and smile joyfully to greet visitors” said James Jeske, tour operator from the U.S.A

Although some local tourist offices were concerned that their regions would only become a one day-transit place, all tour operators convinced them that this will not be the case.

Most important for their clients is that destinations must keep the authenticity of the attractions, find other highlights in their areas, and inform them about this so tourists can stay much longer.  “Instead of staying for just one day, tourists can stay for 10 days if it can be filled with various activities and attractions” said Hank at the cool town of Ruteng, West Manggarai.

Besides visiting the habitat of the Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo and Rinca, today the Komodo seas are also already a favourite with world class divers for the huge variety of fish, giant manta rays, turtles, dolphins and whales that can be admired in these waters.

A visit to Komodo is made through the town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, where new hotels and other tourist facilities have sprung up. There are regular flights daily from Bali to the Komodo Airport on Labuan Bajo. 

 The island of Flores is wellknown for the spectacular three-colored lakes ofMt. Kelimutu, the spiderweb ricefields at Manggarai, Easter celebrations at Larantuka, the prehistoric “hobbits” caves at Liang Bua, megalithic villages, beautiful woven textiles and a whole lot more.

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