Tourism Ministry Welcomes Two International Language Conferences to Yogyakarta
Jakarta. Yogyakarta will host two international conferences next week.
Esthy Reko Astuti, deputy for tourism development at the Ministry of Tourism, said 1,500 participants from 13 countries will attend the 15th International Asia TEFL Conference and the 64th Teflin International Conference on July 13-15.
She said this will be a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and to network, while it will also strengthen Indonesia's position as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
"This is a good opportunity to seek and expand our networks. We are focused on MICE tourism. Cities with tourism attractions and convention halls will promote their MICE [sectors]," Esthy said in a statement on Thursday (06/07).
Eddy Susilo, assistant deputy for convention and meetings tourism promotion at the ministry, added that MICE committees usually select locations near tourism attractions, with participants ranging from business associations, academics, social groups, companies and families.
"For example: the father is at the conference, while his wife and children tour the city. After their meetings or conferences, they will tour and shop. I agree with the MICE tourism strategy as it has immense potential," Eddy said.
Various topics, including alternative approaches and methodologies, education/language policy, language acquisition, curriculum design, and teacher education and development will be discussed during the conferences, which will take place at Yogyakarta State University (UNY).
Research and Higher Education Minister Mohammad Nasir will be the keynote speaker, while 11 researchers and lecturers from various universities around the world will also speak during the conference.
Participants are also given the option of two tourism packages. The first is the so-called "Morning Package," which will showcase the Yogyakarta Sultanate, Mount Merapi, a lava tour and Borobudur Temple, while the "Afternoon Package" will allow attendants to explore Prambanan Temple, enjoy the sunset at Ratu Boko Temple and watch a Ramayana dance performance.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said Yogyakarta, which is known for its cultural and tourism attractions, is a destination not to be missed.
"Yogyakarta is Java's 'Bali.' It is very beautiful and to be enjoyed," the minister said.
"Explore Yogyakarta City by taking a walk to Malioboro and the Yogya Kembali Monument, or by learning to make batik and handicrafts, as well as enjoying the culinary sensations," he added.
Tags: Keywords: