Sabang (Weh Island) Aceh-Indonesia : Destination Competitiveness

Years back, Sabang (Weh Island) was a popular tourism destination. However, the 29-year conflict and the virtual inaccessibility to Aceh for tourists, especially foreigners, during much of that period, along with the 2004 tsunami, and other events led to the decline of tourism as a major part of the economy. Conditions have changed. Internally, Aceh is once again open for business and attempting to reconnect itself to Indonesia’s tourism industry and its international source markets, suppliers, and investors. Externally, tourism is booming around the world, especially in the Middle East and Asia, the two areas best situated to provide tourists to Sabang (Weh Island).

Sabang is rich of events, attraction and unique cultures that it will fascinate anyone. Sabang is also rich in natural beauty, waves and sea garden, which is suitable for diving. Some of most beautiful Sabang tourism and historical sites and beaches have been damaged by the massive earthquake and Dec 2004 Tsunami. After the tsunami, at least 1,200 local and international NGOs operated in Aceh, It has been considered as free promotion for Aceh.
The Multidonor Fund for Aceh and Nias (MDF), continues to provide assistance in promoting longer term economic and from 2005 through 2008, at least Rp 60 trillion ($6 billion) was allocated to Aceh.

I think, even though many NGOs consider to promote Sabang-Aceh, it is not easy to encourage tourists, but the “Destination (Stakeholder) must market and sell online with user friendly sites targeting their specific markets and fully integrated reservation system. A key element of a successful tourism industry is the ability to recognize and deal with change across a wide range of key factors and the way they interact”.

And the other side is “The attractiveness and competitiveness of tourist destinations”  more important as a scenario destination development.

I am sure, that tourist managers need to be more proactive in developing strategies to address global trends. “The importance of good management practice was recognized. Given the changes in the external environment, tourism enterprises must be managed strategically, that is manager must formulate, implement and evaluate cross functional decisions that enable an organization to achieve its objectives in the face of changes that confronts any private and public organization is how lay the foundations for tomorrow’s success while competing to win in today’s market place”.
“Sabang (Weh island) tourism philosophy is to develop a tourism industry that welcomes visitors from around the world to enjoy the island’s fascinating tourism attributes and the genuine hospitality of its people. The primary purpose for developing tourism on Sabang (Pulau Weh) is to provide economic and social benefits for the local people.
The tourism industry must aggressively protect Sabang (Weh island) natural resources, both on land and in the sea, and preserve its cultural resources and traditions. Tourism brings together people from many varied backgrounds, behaviors, and ways of life. Therefore, the tourism industry on Sabang (Weh island) must be planned, developed, promoted, managed, and operated in a manner that respects the religious, social, and cultural values of the local people”.
Sabang (Weh island) tourism products and services must be developed and offered in a way that provides visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s traditional lifestyle and its island’s unique sense of place.
Tourism will be an important part of an integrated economy on Sabang (Weh island), and it will promote, to the maximum extent possible, the utilization of local goods and services and the creation and success of small and family-owned businesses.
Although Pulau Weh may someday become a major international destination, it must grow at a pace that enables the local people to grow along with it and become the leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs who will guarantee the fate of the tourism industry will remain under local control. Close public-private sector cooperation, public awareness, industry training, and access to microfinancing will guide and coordinate this growth.