Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Indonesia is taking significant strides in enhancing Catholic tourism on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), with an eye on economic growth and cultural preservation. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, aims to increase visitor numbers and foster a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage. In a report by The news media in Indonesia, particularly Flores Island.
He highlighted the island’s rich Catholic history and the harmonious inculturation between the Catholic Church and local culture as key attractions for religious tourists. “Flores Island in NTT is renowned for its Catholic history and heritage. It’s often referred to as the Missionary Island.
This island has tremendous potential for religious tourism, especially through the inculturation between the Catholic Church and the local community’s culture,” said Sandiaga. He noted that this inculturation not only boosts religious pilgrimage tourism but also fosters economic growth and cultural preservation. To support tourism development, the government has included four annual events in the 2024 National Events Calendar, two of which focus on religion and culture: the Golokoe Festival in Labuan Bajo and the Bale Nagi Festival in Larantuka.
These events, alongside regular Catholic religious and cultural festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Lembah Kisol Festival, are expected to draw more tourists to the .