Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Wamenparekraf/Wakabaparekraf) Angela Tanoesoedibjo has expressed appreciation for the reoccurrence of the Komodo Travel Mart, which is believed to drive tourism development in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and specifically in Labuan Bajo. Angela noted that the Komodo Travel Mart facilitates the convergence of 121 buyers and 63 sellers from various businesses across East Nusa Tenggara, targeting transactions worth IDR 30 billion. Labuan Bajo stands as one of the five Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP) designated by the government, aimed at strengthening the tourism and creative economy ecosystem. This entails enhancing attractions, amenities, and accessibility, fostering significant impacts on the local community by boosting economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Angela emphasized this as tangible evidence of the central government's support, through the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, in the development of tourism in NTT. Additionally, she expressed hopes that the Komodo Travel Mart would stimulate increased investment in the tourism sector in Labuan Bajo.
The government has designated a special economic zone (SEZ) in Labuan Bajo called Natas Parapuar, managed by the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) across 129.6 hectares. This SEZ aims to provide investors with facilitative conditions for tourism and sustainable creative economic development. Angela stressed the importance of the tourism and creative economy sectors' efforts in promoting sustainable tourism practices to preserve natural resources and generate positive impacts. Accompanying Wamenparekraf Angela were Frans Teguh, Acting CEO of BPOLBF; Wisnu Sindhutrino, Director of Tourism Marketing Regional I (Asia Pacific) at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy; Oyan Kristian, Chairman of the Komodo Travel Mart V Committee; and Fransiskus Sales Sodo, Secretary of the West Manggarai Regency.
