Berau, Kaltim (ANTARA) – The Republic of Seychelles is exploring cooperation to develop the Pemapak Hot Springs tourist destination in Biatan Bapinang Village, Berau District, East Kalimantan Province, as part of efforts to increase visitor numbers.”Berau District is home to many unique and attractive natural tourist destinations, one of which is its natural hot springs. The site still has considerable potential for further development in terms of facilities, accommodation, attractions, and other supporting infrastructure to attract more visitors,” Berau Deputy Regent, Gamalis said in Tanjung Redeb on Tuesday.The hot springs have consistently attracted large numbers of visitors. During the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday period, the site recorded around 4,500 visitors.After reopening following renovation work from March 21 to 25, 2026, the attraction welcomed approximately 5,600 visitors.Investment support, says Gamalis, is one of the key factors in developing emerging tourist destinations, enabling them to generate greater added value for the regional economy while improving the welfare of local communities.Gamalis expressed hope that more partnerships and investments would materialize to accelerate tourism development, including from investors from Seychelles who have shown interest in nature-based tourism projects.The interest was expressed during a visit by the Seychelles President's Special Envoy to ASEAN, Nico Barito, to the Pemapak Hot Springs on Monday (July 20), accompanied by Gamalis.According to Gamalis, Barito's visit provided an opportunity to showcase Berau's leading tourism attractions while exploring opportunities to develop destinations based on local wisdom.Barito said the Pemapak Hot Springs have strong potential to be developed into a sustainable tourism destination that can deliver long-term economic benefits to local communities.”Tourism development should not rely solely on natural beauty and existing resources. It must also highlight local stories and cultural identity that distinguish the destination from others,” Barito said.Every tourism destination, Barito said, should have its own unique narrative. A compelling story can spark tourists' curiosity, encourage them to visit, and inspire them to return with their families and friends.Barito said the local wisdom of communities living around the area should become an integral part of the visitor experience, adding that he continues to encourage faster development of tourism based on these unique cultural assets.”The development of the Pemapak Hot Springs should also be strengthened through an experience-based tourism concept by featuring attractions rooted in local culture and adding complementary activities to ensure visitor arrivals continue throughout the year rather than only during peak seasons,” he said.