The Governor of Aceh region in Indonesia says the implementation of Islamic Sharia law in the region is not a hindrance to attracting more foreign tourists, but can boost Aceh’s status as a spiritual tourism destination.
Giving the opening speech at Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) held in Banda Aceh this week, Governor Zaini Abdullah said Sharia can ‘support and strengthen the region’s ‘eternal peace.’
"With Aceh’s characteristics in terms of its religion, culture and customs, we wish to promote it as spiritual-based tourism," he said.
TIME has attracted 60 international buyers from 18 nations including Australia, the UK and South Africa.
Organizers are expecting to see over US$27.5 million of business during the event, according to Meity Robot, chair of TIME.
Aceh is Indonesia’s most north westerly region and is still an unknown quantity for international travellers.
Last year around 42,000 foreign tourists visited the region, predominantly from neighbouring Malaysia, supported by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
"TIME offers a good opportunity for us to promote tourism attractions available in Aceh to the international market," said Reza Fahlevi, Head of Aceh’s Culture and Tourism Office.
"It allows international buyers to take a closer look at the products on offer and aid local tourism stakeholders in selling their products overseas," he added.
