The Gorontalo provincial government in Indonesia is excited to host the inaugural Whale Shark Festival 2024 at Botubarani Tourism Village in the Bone Bolango District this Saturday, September 1st. The festival marks International Whale Shark Day, celebrated annually on August 30th.
The event is designed to not only celebrate this important day but also to revitalize the province’s tourism industry. The festival offers a diverse range of activities, catering to various interests. Visitors can explore a bustling bazaar showcasing local micro, small, and medium enterprises, engage in a lively kids’ coloring competition, savor delicious fish grilling events, and witness the ceremonial handover of fish aggregating devices to the local community.
Ariyanto Husain, Head of the Gorontalo Tourism Office, emphasizes the festival’s dual purpose: to commemorate International Whale Shark Day and to harness the province’s tourism potential. While the waters of Botubarani are designated as a conservation zone, limiting certain activities, the government encourages residents to utilize the area’s tourism advantages in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Yosef Koton, an official from the Gorontalo Regional Secretariat, speaking on behalf of Acting Governor Rudy Salahuddin, expresses hope that the festival will become an annual tradition. He underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders to drive innovation and creativity, ultimately contributing to the growth of Gorontalo’s tourism sector.
Despite boasting abundant natural attractions, the tourism sector currently contributes only 2.4 percent to Gorontalo’s regional gross domestic product, according to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS). The government believes that events like the Whale Shark Festival will play a crucial role in promoting the province’s tourism offerings and boosting its economic contributions.
