Flores and Bali Receive International Tourism Awards in London

London (Antara) - Two popular Indonesian tourist destinations, Flores and Bali, received awards from Lonely Planet at the World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition that took place in London from November 3 to 6, a Tourism Ministry official said. Flores was recognized as among the world's "Top 10 Regions, Best in Travel 2015" and Bali was named one of the "Top 10 Best-Value Destinations for 2015" by the popular travel guide publisher, based on recommendations of bloggers, writers, twitter tweets, tourists and travel panel experts, Nia Niscaya said here Friday. "We are very happy that the Ministry of Tourism's mission to promote 'Beyond Bali' is recognized by the world," Tourism Ministry's Director for International Tourism Promotion Nia Niscaya said. Flores is the only tourist destination in Asia that received the award. The recognition was also awarded to Gallipoli in Turkey, Rocky Mountain National Park (USA), Toledo (Belize), Tasmania (Australia), Arctic Norway (Norway), Khumbu (Nepal), The Copper Canyon (Mexico), Atacama Desert (Chile), and Macau (China). Bali was chosen, together with other destinations in Tunisia, South Africa, Shanghai, Samoa, Uruguay, Portugal, Taiwan, Romania, and Burkina Faso. In response to Indonesia's success in winning the Lonely Planet awards, Herdy D Sayogha from the Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD) of Badung District, Bali Province, said he welcomed the award and hoped President Joko Widodo's government would improve the country's tourism industries by promoting them abroad. "The role of the tourism industry in promoting various tourist destinations in Indonesia needs the government's support," he said. (*)