The Indonesian government plans to set up 200 tourism villages in West Manggarai to support Labuan Bajo, the entry gate to the world famous Komodo, one of our New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Labuan Bajo, once a quiet fishing village, is today a thriving tourist center. Tourists choose the city for its perfect location as a base for exploring Komodo National Park and the island of Flores. This is the reason why Tourism and Creative Economy Minister of Indonesia, Sandiaga Uno, is currently working with the local government and the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry to develop Labuan Bajo as it is being prepared as a super priority destination.
Sandiaga made an official visit to Labuan Bajo last week and saw some potential that can be developed in the future. During the stay, he encouraged the local community as well as tourism sector businesses and creative economies in Labuan Bajo to discuss the region’s potential value: “ I urge the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to work jointly to increase the number of hotels and restaurants to serve domestic and foreign tourists” he said.
Director of the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority Agency (BOPLBF) Shana Fatina confirmed 160,237 tourists had visited Labuan Bajo in 2019. He also added that Labuan Bajo is a tourist destination aligned with the ecotourism concept as it offers natural resources, authenticity and local culture.