JAKARTA – The acting governor of Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Babel) Sugito became one of the speakers at the International Conference on Community Service hosted by Trisaksi Institue of Tourism on Friday (27/9/2024).
Sugito who is also the Director General of Village Development, Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantage Regions and Transmigration, emphasized the importance of sustainable tourist villages to empower the society.
“Tourist village is not only an attraction in the village, but it is also a development model which requires active participation of the locals,” he said.
In this case, villagers will become the main actors in developing tourist attractions, services, and promotion. Therefore, local people will directly gain economic benefit.
“It’s different from the tourist village managed by outsiders. The village focuses on utilizing its local potency such as culture, tradition, and natural resources,” he added.
He is optimistic about the approach that will not only increase people’s income but also strengthen local identity and wisdom.
“We can create a sustainable and inclusive tourist ecosystem in which the people will be the actors in developing their village as a unique and interesting tourist destination,” he said further.
“Basically, tourism sells impression. Therefore, the experience of interacting with villagers with various languages, cultures and traditions is part of the offering values,” he said.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno also became the keynote speaker in the conference. (Imelda/SAS)
Pj Gubernur Sugito Gagas Desa Wisata di ICCS 2024 (babelprov.go.id)
