The island whose capital and largest city is Makassar is located in Indonesia. It is one of the Greater Sunda Islands and the largest islands in the world. Bounded in the east by Borneo, west by the Maluku Islands, and south by Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, it covers a land area of 69,761 sq mi. On the island, its peninsulas are naturally distant from each other and mostly connected via sea than the road. The three bays dividing the peninsulas are the Tomini, the Tolo, and the Boni. The Strait of Makassar runs on the western part of the island. The island is blessed with a multicultural, pristine landscape and stunning mountains. Thus, starting a tourism business here might be the best opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of the island with the world.
The economy of the country
The economy of the country is greatly focused on agriculture, fishing, mining, and forestry. Though agriculture accounts for a large percentage of the GDP, most of the commodities produced are exported out of the country. This island nation’s economy is one of the top economies in the region.
Starting a tourism business
The tourism industry is at its peak in the country. There are lots of potential opportunities for business-minded residents and foreigners looking to explore the world of pristine scenery and natural waters. If you are interested in starting a tourism business in Sulawesi, here are key steps you have to put in place:
Research the market
When you are starting a business for the first time, researching the market is the first step. With this, one learns of the market trend, the kinds of experience tourists are interested in, and the types of visitors to expect. Proper market research provides detailed information on the current state of the industry, the competition, and other vital details.
Develop the business plan
After the research, drafting a business plan comes next. This plan will act as a framework for measuring the progress of the business. It entails the business model, marketing strategy, financial streams, etc. Prepare your plan to fit with the goals of the kind of tourism activity you have in mind. You can use this plan to seek out loans from banks and investors if necessary.
Register the business
Running any business in the country requires registration with the Indonesian government or the incorporation body in charge of companies. You will also need a permit or license to back the legal status of your business.
Find a suitable location
Finding a location depends on the kind of tourism business you want to run. Factors like accessibility, security, and resource availability have to be put in mind when finding a good place. Some popular sites here include the traditional villages of Toraja, the underwater world of Bunaken Island, and the lush jungles of Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
Employ qualified workers
Once you have found a place for your business, the next step is hiring hands to help. This will involve employing people who are knowledgeable about the island and its tourism industry, and those with experience in hospitality and tourism such as your guides, drivers, etc.
Market the business
Promoting your business is quite important to attract potential clients. This could be done via a website, social media, or by publishing in local and international papers. As well as working with tour operators and travel agents. This will generate public awareness about the services you offer.
The Indonesian island is known for its diverse culture and stunning landscapes, thus starting a tourism business will be exciting and profitable if handled with careful planning and proper management.
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