VOICED : Indonesia prays Islamic tourism drive can draw more visitors

Lombok, part of Indonesia's 17,000 island archipelago, is seeking to establish its own identity by attracting Muslim tourists, distinct from nearby Bali. Known as the 'island of 1000 Mosques', Lombok is adapting services to cater to this market, including halal food labels and prayer facilities. While Middle Eastern visitors appreciate these efforts, there is concern about creating separate markets for Western and Muslim tourists, which could highlight cultural differences. Despite its natural beauty, Indonesia's tourism numbers lag behind Malaysia and Thailand, indicating room for growth.

What is Lombok's strategy to differentiate itself from Bali?

• By offering adventure sports

• By tapping into the international Muslim market

• By attracting Western tourists

• By promoting its Hindu temples

Which of the following is NOT a service adaptation for Muslim tourists in Lombok?

• Providing prayer rooms

• Providing halal food labels

• Offering alcohol in hotel rooms

• Having qibla direction stickers

What is a key feature of Lombok that appeals to Muslim tourists?

• Its floating mosques and call to prayer

• Its proximity to Bali

• Its Western-style nightlife

• Its adventure sports facilities

What is a potential consequence of developing separate markets for Western and Muslim tourists in Lombok?

• A decrease in local cultural events

• Higher tourist numbers than Malaysia

• Increased integration among tourists

• Emphasizing differences and creating problems

How does the number of tourists visiting Indonesia compare to Malaysia and Thailand?

• Indonesia receives fewer tourists than both

• Indonesia receives more tourists than both

• Indonesia receives more tourists than Thailand but fewer than Malaysia

• Indonesia receives the same number of tourists as Malaysia