According to Alex Retraubun, director general of coastal area and small island affairs at the maritime and fisheries ministry, said that “The Banda Islands are known worldwide for their historical significance and undersea natural beauty, and therefore Maluku will host Sail Banda 2010“.

For your information, in the 15th century Banda islands is known as the original and only source of the once precious spices, nutmeg and mace, trade commodities that had a significant impact on world developments. Early European who come to this area described the tropical Banda Islands as a jewel-like cluster surrounded by crystal waters and brilliant coral reefs, and the most beautiful cluster of islands in Maluku.

Now, Banda islands is a well known hotspot for international and domestic tourism activity related with the sea such as a morning dive, a picnic on the beach, and an afternoon dive. These areas offers undersea panoramas featuring many coral reefs and ornamental fish. These Banda Islands also offers stunning tropical scenery, a remarkable history, friendly villages, and some of the globe`s most pristine, and biologically diverse corral reefs.

Up to now, there is no official date of the Sail Banda event, but according to the news it may be held in July 27 to August 28, 2010. According to the officials, they already warm message and support from local authorities and also national companies (such as PT Pelni) and also international community for the success of this Sail Banda 2010. Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu said that he already got information that some 150 sail boats from various countries had been registered to take part in Sail Banda 2010.

Well, for me this is such a good steps indeed ! Go go go Indonesia ! I think it is such a brilliant ideas to promote Indonesia tourism potential to the outside world. I believe then that every local authorities in Indonesia should then copy this kind of method to promote their own unique tourism potential that they can dig from their cultures, heritages and even geographical location to come up with unique tourism program to be offered to domestic and international community.