Batam, Batamnews - The Riau Islands (Kepri) Provincial Government (Pemprov) has designed a Tourism Linkage Networking (tourism linkage network) between regencies/cities throughout the Riau Islands. This step was taken as an effort to revitalize Riau Islands tourism.

With this network, tourists will be invited to visit one or two areas at once in one tour package. The Riau Islands Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) was very enthusiastic about the idea.

"This inter-regional tourism linkage is an effort of the Riau Islands Provincial Government which is in line with the vision and mission of the Governor, Pak Ansar Ahmad, which is to develop and preserve Malay and National culture and accelerate inter-island connectivity," said Head of the Riau Islands Tourism Office, Buralimar, Sunday (5/5). /12/2021).

"We hope that this program can be sold into attractive travel packages for friends in travel associations," he continued.

So far, Buralimar continued, new travel packages reach Batam-Bintan-Tanjungpinang. In the future, it will be expanded to Lingga, Karimun, Anambas and Natuna Regencies.

All of these areas have their charm and strength of local wisdom which is very interesting when sold in tour packages. Buralimar gave an example for Lingga Regency, for example, which has the power of cultural and natural tourism.

Lingga Regency introduced the area as 'Land of the Sultans, Mother of the Malay Land'. This area which is full of ancestral cultural history is believed to be in great demand by foreign and domestic tourists. The distance from Batam to Lingga can be reached in 3.5-4 hours.

Likewise, tourist destinations in Karimun, with natural and culinary tourism. Not to mention the power of the natural charm of Natuna and Anambas.

"I am very optimistic, if the travel association can sell tour packages between regencies/cities, it can revive the Riau Islands tourism sector. Our target is for tourists not only to come for tours but also to stay long in Riau Islands," Buralimar hoped.

To expedite this plan, he stated that the Riau Islands Provincial Government had made a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regents/Mayors throughout the Riau Islands.

Regional heads are expected to prepare tourist destinations, ease of access, and various supports. So that this inter-island tour package can be sold to domestic and foreign tourists later.

Efforts to restore tourist visits to Riau Islands, added Buralimar, do not forget to implement CHSE-based tourism, namely Cleanliness (cleanliness), Health (Health), Safety (Security), Environment (environmentally friendly). The implementation of CHSE will also be the key to the success of the inter-island package.

"We introduce to all Riau Islands people, outside Riau Islands and also the world, that Riau Islands are Safe, Riau Islands are Comfortable. Our efforts have received a positive response. There have been many prospective domestic tourists who will travel to Riau Islands," concluded Buralimar.