Camino de Flores walking tourism launched in East Nusa Tenggara

The Camino de Flores, a new walking tourism initiative in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has been launched to promote economic recovery and distribute tourist spending more evenly across the region. Currently, tourism in the area is heavily concentrated in West Manggarai, specifically Labuan Bajo. This new route aims to encourage travelers to visit other regencies by connecting religious sites, traditional villages, and natural landscapes.

Designed around the concept of ‘Flores Walk,’ the initiative targets specific segments such as pilgrims and mindfulness tourists. The project seeks to provide economic opportunities for local communities through homestays, food services, local guides, and the sale of traditional ikat weaving and culinary products.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized the importance of equitable tourism distribution to ensure local businesses benefit from longer visitor stays. A pilot project, the ‘Etape Tengah,’ is scheduled to take place from October 23 to 27, 2026, involving approximately 70 participants.