Wakatobi to Attract Russian Tourists

Kendari, SE Sulawesi - Wakatobi District Head Hugua participated in a tourism expo in Moscow last week in a bid to attract Russian tourists. The Russian audience showed its interest when looking at posters and pictures reflecting Wakatobi's marine scenery and coral reefs on display at the expo, Hugua said here, Wednesday. "Russia is the only country in the world which has no foreign debt. It means the country's economy is quite strong, and its wealthy citizens will be interested in spending money to travel overseas," Hugua added. Wakatobi, which is located in the coral triangle area, boasts 750 of the world¿s 850 species of coral reefs, and also has 942 fish species. At least 1.3 million hectares of Wakatobi are part of Wakatobi National Marine Park with Karang Mari Mabo, One Mombaa, Hioga Isle, and Patuno beach diving sites. Last year, Wakatobi hosted an international maritime event called Sail Wakatobi Belitung (SWB). The SWB 2011's theme was "Clean the Ocean for Future Live", to respond to the climate change which has triggered the temperature of the ocean surface to rise. (*)