Belitung, Bangka Belitung Isla (ANTARA) - The G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting in Belitung District, Bangka Belitung Islands, on September 7-9, 2022, should positively impact the economy for the betterment of the community, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno stated.
“We want the people to directly feel the impact of the implementation of the G20 Summit," Uno noted after reviewing the Nam Salu Open Pit Geosite in Kelapa Kampit, East Belitung, on Saturday.
The minister affirmed that in the last two years, the tourism sector in Indonesia was battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Many people were out of work, and incomes were declining," he pointed out.
Hence, implementation of the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting is expected to offer a momentum to drive economic revival and tourism in Belitung, Uno explained.
"Hence, the economic revival that is triggered by the G20 Summit event should be fair for the community," he stressed.
Uno pointed out that preparations to be made by Belitung District to host the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting were not solely limited to physical infrastructure.
"The prepping also entailed readying Human Resources (HR) and creative economic products," he stated.
Related news: NTB people should make most of international events: Minister
Uno also expressed confidence that Bangka Belitung Islands Province was ready to host the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting on September 7-9, 2022.
"Belitung is very ready on account of the fact that several international events had been held in Sungailiat (a village) in Bangka Belitung," he stated.
The minister also noted that in addition to being a priority destination area, Belitung is a National Tourism Strategic Zone (KSPN).
Furthermore, Belitung is a venue for hosting the G20 side events apart from Jakarta, Bali, Bintan, Batu, Bogor, Sorong, Surabaya, Makassar, Palembang, Solo, Banjarmasin, and Pontianak.
The G20 side events held in several regions can potentially support the local economy by promoting the local culture and products, Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi noted.
Related news: G20 TWG to focus on building resilient tourism: minister
