Buleleng promotes marine tourism through Underwater Photography

Singaraja (Antaranews Bali) - The Tourism Office (Dispar) of Buleleng District cooperated with the Board of Indonesia Unity Diving (PB POSSI) to hold an activity to promote underwater photography, or marine photography, to showcase northern Bali`s marine tourism attractions.

"The activity involves the photographer communities and several tourism players in Buleleng," Head of Dispar of Buleleng Nyoman Sutrisna stated here on Saturday.

He said the promotion conducted at the local Tourism Office on Friday (May 11) featured speakers, such as Agus Widiyanto, who shed light on sustainable tourism; H. D. Berri, who presented underwater mapping and terrestrial tourism data; and Imam Suprihanto, who spoke about the development of human resources in the tourism sector.

The activity focused on the coastal area of Bali Island with the longest sea and comprising seven districts and several areas of marine tourism potential. Underwater coral reefs and ornamental fish are the areas of marine potential that are usually captured through photographs to attract tourists.

"Through underwater photography, the world can witness the beautiful underwater attraction of Buleleng. Photographers and divers are trained first on how to create or process photos that can be used to promote marine tourism of Buleleng," he explained.

Secretary General of PB POSSI Aditya Vilyanto stated that the board is part of the team to accelerate the promotion of the nation`s maritime tourism. One aspect of this type of tourism is to promote the marine environment and popularize marine tourism, which is one of the second-largest sources of state revenue after oil and gas.

Vilyanto added that Bali is a tourism center of Indonesia that has been known across the world. Unfortunately, during this time, foreign parties have a greater control over tourism industries in Bali. Under such conditions, PB POSSI serves as an extension of the state to create the underwater photography program to support the revival of marine tourism in Bali, especially Buleleng District.

"We need additional efforts to boost marine tourism in Buleleng, such as through the promotion of underwater photography. Human resources, including divers and photographers, are also the key to promoting it," he added. (WDY)