Importance of Cleanliness in Tourism: Deputy Minister’s Insights
Jakarta, Indonesia – Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, also known as Ni Luh Puspa, underlined the critical role of maintaining cleanliness at tourist destinations to ensure the quality of tourism in Indonesia. Ermawati’s emphasis came during her participation in a sea litter cleanup initiative at Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran, Bali, on Sunday. This activity aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s quick-win program for the clean tourism movement, aiming to foster a clean ecosystem and enhance public awareness regarding cleanliness at tourist spots.
Crucial Factor for Competitiveness and Attractiveness
During the cleanup event, Ermawati highlighted that the cleanliness of the environment and supporting facilities, such as restrooms, significantly influence travelers’ destination choices. She stressed that cleanliness plays a pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness and attractiveness, thereby underscoring the need for continuous efforts to maintain pristine tourist sites. The quick-win program on tourism destination cleanliness covers the five super-priority tourism destinations (DPSP), alongside Jakarta, the Riau Islands, and Bali. Additionally, this initiative aims to elevate Indonesia’s standing on the World Economic Forum’s Tourism Development Performance Index (TTDI).
Quality and Sustainable Tourism: Key Focus Areas
Despite Indonesia’s upward movement from 32nd to 22nd place on the TTDI in 2024, Ermawati pointed out that the country still received a low score in the health and hygiene category. To address this, she stressed the importance of enhancing the quality of tourist attractions while simultaneously promoting sustainable tourism practices. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq commended the collaborative efforts of various ministries and government agencies in organizing the sea litter cleanup activity, showcasing a unified commitment to tackling marine litter issues.
Collaborative Efforts for Environmental Conservation
Apart from Deputy Minister Ermawati, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, representatives from the Bali Provincial Government, local communities, and other ministries and agencies actively participated in the cleanup initiative. This collective endeavor underscores the significance of interagency collaboration in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices nationwide. As Indonesia strives to enhance its position in the global tourism landscape, initiatives like the clean tourism movement play a pivotal role in shaping a more environmentally conscious and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
