Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 09:28 AM UTC

Flores Island promoted as Catholic religious tourism destination

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Hreeloita, Kenzu

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province was promoted as a Catholic religious tourism destination in Indonesia through a walking pilgrimage event titled "Camino de Flores: The Sacred Journey of Flores" set for October 23-27, 2026.

"Until now, we know that tourists have been more concentrated in West Manggarai, especially Labuan Bajo. Through Camino de Flores, tourists will visit destinations across various parts of Flores," Indonesia's Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said at a press conference here on Tuesday.

Putri Wardhana said "Camino de Flores" has the potential to develop into a new travel destination that is very attractive to tourists. "Camino de Flores" blends spiritual, cultural, and historical tourism activities with support from local communities.

The tourism activity could deliver meaningful experiences for tourists, encouraging them to stay longer to experience local culture and buy local products.

"In this way, economic turnover is no longer centered on a single region or only large industry players, but directly touches the economy of ordinary people in Flores," she said.

The initiator of "Camino de Flores", Mari Elka Pangestu, explained the event is mainly aimed at encouraging sustainable, community-based tourism activities and introducing the cultural wealth and traditions of Flores.

According to Pangestu, the event also aims to offer reflective, healthy, and meaningful travel experiences while developing thematic tourism routes that connect destinations, religious sites, and cultural attractions.

In "Camino de Flores: The Sacred Journey of Flores", about 70 participants from creative communities will walk about 70 kilometers through various locations on Flores Island.

Along the way, they will visit churches, traditional villages, and cultural sites, try local cuisine, interact directly with local people, and enjoy Flores's natural scenery.

"Starting from Bajawa and finishing in Ende, crossing three districts, Ngada, Nagekeo, and Ende," Pangestu said.

The program, designed with inspiration from the "Camino de Santiago" concept in Spain, is expected to help showcase Flores Island as a travel destination with spiritual and cultural value.

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