Manado, North Sulawesi (ANTARA) – Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani stated that Tomohon City, North Sulawesi, is a hidden gem of Indonesia.”The tourism potential of Tomohon City is very large to be known by many foreign and domestic tourists,” Maharani remarked while opening the “Tournament of Flower” in Tomohon on Saturday. The world has admired the natural beauty of Indonesia, but only a few places are popular with tourists, the House speaker noted. “I believe that most people around the world only know a few destinations in Indonesia,” she pointed out. Maharani said Tomohon City, which is known as the city of flowers, has beautiful nature and is rich in water sources, as it is located at the foot of Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu and in proximity to Mount Tampusu. She deemed it necessary to hold big events, such as the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF), to promote Tomohon City to the world. “TIFF can attract foreign and domestic tourists. The Tomohon Flower Festival is not just a flower exhibition but a reflection of the diversity, beauty, and natural wealth of Indonesia,” she remarked. Maharani underscored the need for Tomohon City to always improve itself to realize its tourism potential to welcome more foreign and domestic tourists. She encouraged the city to improve its tourism facility and infrastructure to make tourists more comfortable. “Then they will come back again and bring their family and friends here,” she stated. Maharani noted that tourism development in Tomohon City will improve local welfare and upgrade micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This year, the TIFF is held for the 11th time. Through this event, the city administration seeks to improve the tourism sector that had earlier been impacted by the pandemic.

Source: Antara News Agency