Semarang, Antara Jateng - The government has plans to designate 10 priority tourist destinations as special economic zones (KEK), an official has said.

With that in mind, a single destination, single management concept would be applied to the areas, Agus Priyono, assistant to tourism industry deputy of the Tourism Ministry, said here Friday.

The 10 areas are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Tanjung Kelayang in Bangka Belitung, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, and Kepulauan Seribu in Jakarta, in addition to Borobudur in Central Java, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru in East Java, Mandalika in Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Wakatobi in North Sulawesi, and Morotai in North Maluku make up the ten areas.

Of the 10 tourist destinations dubbed as "New Bali", Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Lesung, Mandalika, and Morotai are already special economic zones.

They have been selected as New Bali as they meet four criteria, namely the existence of infrastructure, the destinations are iconic and need revitalization, and have investment potential.

A special economic zone will offer tax facilities and an integrated licensing system.

The government will also improve the attractions, accessibility, amenity, and facilities in these areas.
Their promotions are being intensified through the Wonderful Indonesia program, he added.