Senggigi Festival Kicks off in Lombok

Senggigi, Indonesia - The annual Senggigi cultural festival commenced on Thursday, with a mission to enhance tourism promotion under the tagline “Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012”.

A number of cultural and artistic performances will be held around Senggigi during the festival, which runs until Sunday.

Attending the opening ceremony were government officials and guests as well as domestic and foreign tourists.

“Besides an effort to preserve culture, the festival carries the message of the need to promote West Lombok tourism and support the Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012 campaign unveiled by the provincial administration,” West Lombok Regent Zaini Arony said during a speech to open the festival, which is themed “Begawe Semesta Warna Budaya” (thanksgiving for the cultural richness bestowed on the community).

Zaini urged for hospitality among the people in welcoming the visitors.

“Our hospitality proves we can attract visitors to Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara in general,” he said.

As a development priority due to its significant revenue contribution, the administration has stepped up its effort to develop infrastructure to support tourism, according to Zaini.

Unlike previous years, the opening ceremony this year did not feature a long cultural procession. The precession was restricted to the beach where the tents and marquees were set up for visitors and hotel guests.

Several traditional performances entertain visitors included Sadak dance, sei perisean and gendang beleg (big drum dance).

A dragon boat competition also highlighted the ceremony. “We hope this festival can entertain visitors,” Zaini said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
Foto: http://www.antarafoto.com

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