Posted 03 Jul 2009

Indonesia has reported an increase in the number of people visiting the country from abroad, bucking the trends of the current economic downturn.

According to the country’s ministry of tourism and culture, between January and April this year, 1.89 million people travelled, holidayed or volunteered abroad in Indonesia.

This figure represents an increase of 28,570 people, when compared to the same time in 2008.

"Despite current global economic crisis our tourism sector is not affected much particularly with regard to tourist arrivals," said director general of marketing for the ministry Sapta Nirwandar.

The country currently has a target of attracting 6.5 million foreign guests in 2009.

It was reported earlier this week that Indonesia’s sea turtle populations are showing promising signs of replenishing since a programme was set up to protect them in 2005.

Category: Asia