Indonesia wants to open up more regions to international tourism. Air connections to one - the island of Sulawesi - have improved recently with direct flights Singapore-Makassar (South Sulawesi) with Garuda, and Singapore-Manado (North Sulawesi) with Silk Air. Low-fare-airlines are expected in 2007.

And under construction in Makassar are a new air terminal - with capacity for 6mn passengers - due to open end-2007, and a new runway.

Tourist infrastructures has improved recently, with new hotels in the two main cities. In Makassar a Clarion hotel with the city's first convention centre, and a Santika, due next month.

In Manado, Singapore-based Sedona Hotels plans to open a resort by year end. And a large waterfront project is being built - with hotels, convention centre, and shopping centres.

South Sulawesi is known for its beaches and islands around Makassar as well as Torajaland, for its authentic traditions and homes. North Sulawesi is known for the Bunaken maritime park.