“ The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s sponsorship of the Second IEBF indicates how important we feel that ecotourism is as a strategic tool in our policy to develop long-term, sustainable tourism in Indonesia. That is, tourism that will respect the natural environment while at the same time provide direct benefits in the form of employment and income to the many local communities providing the goods and services to visitors.

By hosting this event, which we call a “business forum”, we recognize that fundamentally ecotourism has to be managed as a business that can operate effectively within the private tourism sector. The government’s role is to promote and encourage the development of a viable ecotourism industry through assisting with human resource training; enforcing effective environmental regulations; providing micro-loans to small entrepreneurs; and supporting specialist ecotourism travel marts such as this one

But it is up to the buyers and sellers operating in the private sector who are in the final analysis responsible for the delivery of good ecotourism attractions and services that will satisfy guests, ensure repeat visits, and bring benefits to the host communities. We help open th door for you – it is up to you to walk through it and take charge of the process’’