The Indonesian Culture and Tourism Ministry has launched "Visit Indonesia Year (VIY) 2008" in an effort to attract more foreign tourists to the country, the Antaranews agency reported on Thursday.

Indonesian Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik officially declared the start of VIY 2008 at a function in the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday night, the report said.

It is projected that 7 million foreign tourists will visit Indonesia during the VIY 2008, and the VIY 2008 was aimed at improving the people's welfare through the development of the tourism sector, the report quoted the minister as saying.

Jero Wacik said although the tourist arrivals in Indonesia in 2006 was 5.5 million less than its target of 6 million, he was still optimistic that the 7 million target for 2008 would be reached.

"We have prepared more than 100 events across the country in a bid to increase the foreign tourist arrivals," Jero Wacik said before striking a gong marking the commencement VIY 2008.

He called all tourism business people and the public in general to become a good host by being hospitable, help maintain security, and keep their regions clean.

Jero Wacik said his office has prepared 15 million U.S. dollars which will be used to promote the VIY 2008 all over the world, among others, through advertisements on overseas TV stations.