goodmorningpapua.com – Indonesia succeeded to bring home the prestigious “Best in Travel Destinations for 2023” award from Lonely Planet, a global tourism media provider of trusted information for travelers around the world. Raja Ampat, West Papua, representing Indonesia was selected as one of six other global destinations from around the world that are recommended as Must Visit Locations or Destinations that Must Be Visited in 2023.
Raja Ampat was chosen as an unwind destination or destination to relax, run away from busyness, relieve fatigue, and a gateway to find peace and tranquility. In its official statement, Lonely Planet appreciates Raja Ampat as an alternative destination from other Indonesian Archipelago which is famous for its coral reefs, excellent diving spots and beautiful beaches.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said the award brought hope for the revival of quality and world-class Indonesian tourism destinations.
For him, the award from Lonely Planet also proves that the global tourism trend going forward has changed from the old 3S, namely sand, sun, and sea to the new 3S, namely spirituality, serenity, and sustainability. “Raja Ampat is an example of a complete new 3S destination.
For information, Arborek, the Tourism Village that was successfully developed in that area is a pilot project of a successful tourism village to become a quality and sustainable tourism destination. Indonesia is also able to surpass the business transaction target,” said Sandiaga in a press release, Friday (18/11/2022). This was conveyed by Sandiaga while attending the London 2022 World Travel Market (WTM) event some time ago.
The “Best in Travel Destinations for 2023” award was given directly by Managing Director of Lonely Planet Destinations Jim Brody to Sandiaga at Pavilion Indonesia AS900. Furthermore, Deputy for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) Ni Made Ayu Marthini said Raja Ampat was chosen because the coral reefs and diving spots in this region are unrivaled in the world.
Apart from that, he said, the less crowded atmosphere could be an alternative to Indonesia’s new island for foreign tourists. “We hope that this award will help increase the international community’s awareness of Raja Ampat and Indonesia, as well as spur all Indonesian tourism actors to improve the management of new 3S destinations even more actively,” he hoped.
Apart from Indonesia, other destinations that received awards from Lonely Planet in the same category were Halkidiki Greece, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Malta and Jordan. This award from Lonely Planet adds to the series of awards that Wonderful Indonesia has received throughout 2022. Previously, Bali was ranked first in the list of 10 Happiest Holiday Destinations in the World version of Club Med, a France-based Travel and Tourism Operator.