Lonely Planet Names Raja Ampat as a 'Must Visit' Destination

JAKARTADAILY.ID – Travel guidebook publisher Lonely Planet named Raja Ampat in West Papua as a "must visit" destination in their Best in Travel 2023 awards.

This destination which is famous for its underwater beauty was chosen as a destination to relax, run away from busyness, relieve fatigue, and be a gateway to finding serenity and peace.

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The other five destinations that received awards in the same category were Halkidiki Greece, Jamaica, Dominica, Malta, and Jordan.

Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said this award brings hope for the revival of quality and world-class Indonesian tourism destinations.

At the same time, it proves that the future global tourism trend has changed from the old 3S, namely Sand, Sun, and Sea, to the new 3S, namely Spirituality, Serenity, and Sustainability.

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"Raja Ampat is an example of a completely new 3S destination and for information, Arborek, a Tourism Village that has been successfully developed in this area is a pilot project for a successful tourism village to become a quality and sustainable tourism destination," said Sandiaga Uno, in a written statement Thursday. November 17, 2022.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, added that Raja Ampat was chosen because the coral reefs and diving spots in this area are unrivaled in the world.

Its less crowded atmosphere can be an alternative to Indonesia's new island for foreign tourists.

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"We hope that this award will help increase the international community's awareness of Raja Ampat and Indonesia, as well as spur all Indonesian tourism actors to improve the management of new 3S destinations even more actively," he said.

This award from Lonely Planet adds to the series of awards that Wonderful Indonesia has received throughout 2022.