Brilio.net/en - Indonesia is home to an array of not just beautiful tourist spots, but also its communities that are scattered across this culturally rich region. Over the years, tourists have gradually been paying more attention to Indonesia. Tourism represents one of Indonesias growing industries today, and one ecotourism community in particular has recently been nominated in theTourism for Tomorrow award for the year 2016.
The award has five categories, which are Community, Destination, Environment, Innovation and People. Out of 62 countries across the globe, 15 countries were selected as finalists to represent the categories, with Indonesia chosen as a finalist in the Community category. This ecotourism community is based in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Indecon, or Indonesian Ecotourism Network, develops the foundation in the region and collaborates with the Innovative Indegenous Flores Ecotourism for Sustainable Trade (INFEST) to boost tourism. They will be up against Sapa O'Chau (Vietnam) and Expediciones Sierra Norte (Mexico).
The European Union (EU) has been financing projects across villages in Flores, and collaborates with local communities and government agencies to sustainably expand the regions ecotourism practices. One example is in training and educating the locals to be tour guides, so that they too can be a part of the tourism growth cycle.
Amongst the key criteria in assessing the finalists are the level of sustainable tourism practices that has been conducted, the social and economic benefits generated for the community and the extent to which the environment is sustainably managed and protected.
The final verdict will be revealed on April 7, 2016 at the 16th WTTC Global Summit in Dallas, Texas. Hopefully, Indonesia will achieve yet another milestone by winning this award. Stay tuned!