Surabaya – Acting Governor of East Java Adhy Karyono urged East Java tourism ambassadors to intensify their promotion of tourist destinations by leveraging digital platforms such as social media.
Adhy delivered this message during the Grand Final of the Raka Raki East Java 2024 event at Graha Unesa Surabaya on Saturday evening (October 5), as stated in a written statement in Surabaya on Sunday.
In this event, Raka Fiki Andriansah from Ponorogo Regency and Raki Aurellia Rizka Paramita from Banyuwangi Regency were selected as the winners.
Furthermore, the Acting Governor emphasized the importance of utilizing digital platforms for promotion due to the significant tourism potential in East Java. There are approximately 1,391 tourist destinations and 630 tourist villages.
“The tourism sector in East Java is the largest. There are 1,391 destinations and 630 tourist villages. We urge that whoever is selected can promote these existing destinations through digital channels so that the entire world can know the beauty and cultural diversity of East Java,” he said.
With such extensive promotion, Adhy added, it could lead to an increase in the number of international tourists (wisman) visiting East Java.
The number of international tourists visiting East Java from January to August 2024 increased by 77.3 percent, or 222,078, compared to 2023, which was 125,236 international tourists.
“We hope that the finalists, the best sons and daughters of East Java selected tonight, can contribute to increasing tourist visits to East Java,” he said.
With the increase in tourist visits, he said, it will have a positive impact on the economic growth of the community.
One strategy to attract tourists, Adhy explained, is by organizing cultural events. A total of 810 cultural events were held in East Java throughout 2023. By September 2024, there were 876 cultural and tourism events recorded.
Additionally, Adhy emphasized that the tourism sector is closely linked to the creative economy (ekraf).
In East Java, there are five creative economy sectors. These include culinary arts at 36.74 percent, crafts at 20.12 percent, fashion at 12.28 percent, performances at 10.9 percent, and music at 8.16 percent.
“Our creative economy also plays a significant role. This means that culture and tourism influence the improvement of our community’s economy,” he said.
At the end, Acting Governor Adhy expressed appreciation for the successful hosting of the 2024 East Java Tourism Ambassador Selection Event.
“Thank you and appreciation to all organizers, so that this major event in the cultural and tourism sector could be held,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Head of the East Java Tourism and Culture Office Evy Afianasari stated that this event is part of the East Java Provincial Government’s efforts to encourage young people to promote tourism potential in East Java.
“This is part of our efforts to encourage young people to contribute to introducing culture and tourism in East Java,” she said.
There are 35 pairs of participants in the Raka Raki 2024 event, representing 35 cities/regions in East Java. The selected participants, according to Evy, will represent various tourism and cultural activities at the provincial, national, and international levels.
“The participants have received training on culture and tourism, so whenever there is an event, they will be the ones we showcase,” she said.
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