Indonesia holds largest travel fair

Astindo International Travel Fair 2012, the largest international travel fair in Indonesia commencing on Friday, aims to book a total of 50 billion rupiah ( about 5.45 million U.S. dollars) in transactions, or 19 percent increase from 42 billion rupiah gained last year, the executive organizer said here. "We are optimistic about reaching the target because the middle class is growing and traveling has become a life style," Indonesia Air Ticketing Association (Astindo) chairperson Elly Hutabarat said. She also said that visitors to Astindo's second travel fair are projected to reach 50,000, a 28 percent increase on the 39,000 visitors last year. As many as 77 exhibitors - travel agents, tourism boards, airlines and cruise lines - are participating in the travel fair that will last to March 18 at the capital city's landmark convention center, the Jakarta Pos online reported. National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, which is participating in the travel fair, aims to book 16 billion rupiah in transactions this year, Helmy Kurniawan, the airline senior marketing communication manager said. Last year, the airline was able to book 8 billion rupiah in transactions at the travel fair.