2013 Tourist Target Achievable: Minister

Jakarta (Antara) - The country's target to receive foreign tourist arrivals in 2013 will be achieved due to an annual growth in foreign tourist visits noted over the years, stated Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elko Pangestu. "Every year, the growth of international tourist arrivals reaches about seven to eight percent. So, we are optimistic that this year's target will also be achieved," the minister remarked during a year-end press conference here on Tuesday. Pangestu noted that based on her ministry's estimate, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in 2013 will reach about 8.6 million, or a growth of 7.37 percent from the previous year, which reached 8.04 million tourists. Minister Pangestu explained that the prediction was derived from the figure achieved last November, which was at 5.52 percent, and was bas. (*)