Indonesian pavilion recorded four successes in the three-day exhibition participation in the biggest travel  and tourism exhibition in Oslo, Reiselivsmessen, at the Telenor Arena this weekend (10-12 January 2014 ).  The Embassy of Indonesia in Oslo noted several interesting things, including record visitors, positive  feedback to products displayed in the pavilion, and potential cooperations.

Record Visitors 

The exhibition this year managed to record most visitors. On the first two days, the number of visitors  reached 26.143 people, and the exhibition expected to reach no less than 47,000 visitors – more than the  number last year of 45,000 people. Of these visitors, about 3,000 people visited the Indonesian Pavilion  during the first two days of the exhibition.

“Indonesian Pavilion is rated as one of the most exciting platforms which attracts visitors’ attention with  the concept of sustainable eco-tourism and creative industries, also cultural multimedia design and  cultural performances, ” said Charge d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Embassy of Indonesia in Oslo, S. Sayoga  Kadarisman. With this concept, the Embassy wanted to attract tourists Norway, who are known for their  love for nature. Indonesia and Norway, said Sayoga, have strong cooperation in the field of reducing  emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD +). Through this exhibition, the Embassy  wanted to show the Norwegian public, that they can help support Indonesian forest conservation through  sustainable consumption of non-timber forest products, generated by local societies in Indonesia.

Creative Coffee and Chocolate Products Received Positive Feedback 

The majority of visitors to the Indonesian pavilion were not only keen to start planning a vacation to  Indonesia, they also took a look, even buying creative forest products on display. Two forest products, Mace  arabica coffee from Papua and cocoa from South Sulawesi, which were presented drew the visitors’  attention. According to them, both of these products suited the Norwegian tastebud. “Norway is the  second highest quality coffee drinkers in the world. Norwegians also in average eat 5 kg of chocolate per  year per person,” said First Secretary for Economic Affairs of Embassy of Indonesia in Oslo, Hartyo

Harkomoyo. With these positive responses, Hartyo added, the Embassy of Indonesia in Oslo is optimistic  that there will be more opportunities to market both products in Norway.

Cooperation Potentials with Tour Operators 

A number of travel agents also interested in marketing Indonesia, and participated in the Indonesian  pavilion. Furthermore, three travel agencies stated that they wanted to collaborate further with Embassy of  Indonesia in Oslo, to promote Indonesia as one of their main destinations. “Indonesia has very large  tourism opportunities, and our travel agent has had 11 cities in Indonesia. Therefore, we are committed to  promote Indonesia in Norway through many travel agents in this country,” said a representative of one of  the largest travel agencies in Oslo working on the Southeast Asian market, as he expressed hope for future  collaboration with the Embassy.

Extraordinary Visitor Response 

One of the Embassy’s main partners in this exhibition, Chandra Kirana of Daemeter Consulting also  expressed her happiness over the positive response from the public Norway towards the Indonesian  pavilion. “We receive a very large public welcome, and the visitors also want to be able to get a tour  packages that will help them to be more familiar with the nature and forests in Indonesia, and how to  support their preservation,” said Chandra Kirana with a big smile.

Many visitors to the Indonesian pavilion left their positive comments and impressions, and they could be  seen from the messages they wrote on the website www.greenindonesia.org, which was specifically  designed for this exhibition, among others:

“I want to see all miracles of Indonesia – wild life, nation. And taste national foods 🙂 Good luck,  Indonesia!!!” wrote Monika.

“Very beautiful and nice stand, take care of the forests :-)” said a visitor who did not leave his name. “We really liked it. We learned things we didn’t know before. Thank you,” said Emilie.

“This stand is like an oasis. The green makes me feel relaxed and the friendliness of the people is exuberant.  The emphasis on ecology and green values makes it a valuable place to come to. Thank you,” said Ingeborg  Wingerei.

On Indonesian coffee: “Good flavor, not too bitter.nice and smooth taste,” wrote Martine Leborg.

This article first appeared in the website of Green Indonesia, a platform to promote forest-based  green initiatives developed by Daemeter Consulting and partners. For more information,  visit www.greenindonesia.org.