CANADIAN INVESTOR EYES TOURISM IN HALMAHERA

Jakarta, 7 Dzulqa’dah 1435/2 September 2014 (MINA) – Local authorities in South Halmahera, North Maluku, are to develop the Widi Islands into a global tourism destination in cooperation with a Canadian investor, a local official said on Monday.

Daud Djubaidi, spokesman for the South Halmahera administration, said that the district administration had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Canadian investor to develop the Widi Islands.

Under the MoU, the district administration will issue policies and regulations to support the development of the islands as a tourism destination, in addition to building infrastructure including a transportation network, The jakarta post quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

In the meantime, the Canadian investor will focus on the construction of accommodation facilities on the islands and carry out a global promotion campaign, Antara reported.

In addition, the Canadian investor will build an airport on the Widi Islands to provide easier access for visitors. The Widi Islands are comprised of 99 small, scenic islands with great tourism potential.

The journey to the Widi Islands from Labuha, the capital city of South Halmahera, involves an 11-hour trip by sea.(T/P009/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)