Labuan Bajo, 8 July 2026 – The Regional Executive Board of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies of East Nusa Tenggara (DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur/DPD ASITA NTT) has expressed its appreciation for the successful organization of the Lamaholot Festival 2026, held in Lembata Regency from 1–4 July 2026. As one of the flagship events included in the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), the festival serves not only as a platform to promote the rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions of East Nusa Tenggara but also as a tangible example of how community-based sustainable tourism can empower local communities while preserving cultural identity.
Chairman of DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara, Oyan Kristian, stated that the festival reflects the growing global demand for tourism experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and socially responsible.
“Global tourism trends have shifted significantly. Today’s travelers are no longer satisfied with simply visiting beautiful destinations—they want to experience authentic local culture and know that their journey creates positive impacts for the communities they visit. The Lamaholot Festival demonstrates how culture, traditions, and local ways of life can become valuable tourism assets while generating sustainable economic opportunities for local people.”
According to Oyan, modern travelers increasingly seek immersive experiences that allow them to engage directly with local communities. Activities showcased during the festival—such as traditional weaving demonstrations, visits to indigenous villages, cultural performances, local culinary experiences, and interactions with the Lamaholot community—offer visitors meaningful memories that extend beyond conventional sightseeing.
“Authentic experiences are becoming the most valuable tourism product. International travelers want to participate, learn, and connect with local communities. They are looking for stories they can take home—stories that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world,” he added.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Lamaholot Festival also highlights environmental sustainability through community-led conservation initiatives, including mangrove ecotourism. Visitors are invited to participate in mangrove planting activities while learning about the ecological importance of coastal ecosystems and their contribution to local livelihoods.
Oyan emphasized that this approach perfectly embodies the principles of sustainable tourism by balancing environmental conservation, community empowerment, and economic development.
“Sustainable tourism is not only about protecting nature. It is about ensuring that tourism creates real and lasting benefits for local communities. Every cultural performance, every local meal enjoyed, every handicraft purchased, and every conservation activity joined by visitors contributes directly to strengthening the local economy. This is the tourism model that East Nusa Tenggara should continue to develop and promote.”
He further noted that East Nusa Tenggara possesses extraordinary cultural diversity and natural beauty, providing each destination with unique opportunities to create distinctive tourism experiences.
According to Oyan, destination development should go beyond improving accessibility, amenities, and attractions. It must also focus on creating genuine human connections and memorable experiences that reflect the authenticity of local culture.
“The greatest strength of East Nusa Tenggara lies in the authenticity of its people, traditions, and cultural heritage. Whether it is weaving alongside local artisans, preparing traditional cuisine with village families, participating in customary ceremonies, or planting mangroves with coastal communities, these are experiences that today’s travelers genuinely value. Authenticity cannot be manufactured—it is our greatest competitive advantage.”
As the organization representing licensed travel agencies throughout East Nusa Tenggara, DPD ASITA NTT reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism products through close collaboration with local governments, tourism communities, MSMEs, tourism villages, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders.
ASITA NTT also expressed its hope that the Lamaholot Festival will continue to be organized on a consistent annual schedule, allowing travel agencies and international tour operators sufficient time to develop, market, and sell travel packages to domestic and overseas markets.
“We hope the Lamaholot Festival continues to grow as one of Eastern Indonesia’s signature cultural events. A well-established annual calendar allows tour operators to confidently promote the festival to international markets, attract more travel agents, media representatives, and tourism buyers, and ultimately bring greater economic benefits to the people of Lembata and East Nusa Tenggara. ASITA NTT is fully committed to supporting this effort through strategic promotion and collaborative partnerships.”
The Lamaholot Festival is one of three flagship tourism events from East Nusa Tenggara selected as part of the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism’s prestigious national event program featuring 125 outstanding events that promote tourism, cultural preservation, and the creative economy across Indonesia.
DPD ASITA NTT believes that strong collaboration among government institutions, tourism businesses, local communities, and development partners is essential to ensuring that tourism growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for future generations. Through events such as the Lamaholot Festival, East Nusa Tenggara continues to strengthen its position as one of Indonesia’s leading destinations for authentic cultural and sustainable tourism experiences.
Media Contact
Public Relations Division
DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
Mobile : +62 813-9235-3568
Email : dpd@asitantt.org, admin@asitantt.org
Location: Gorontalo Village, Komodo Sub Regency, West Manggarai Regency, Labuan Bajo, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
