Indonesia is setting its sights high for the tourism industry in 2025, aiming to draw 17 to 18 million foreign tourist visits. This ambitious goal reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global travel destination while boosting foreign exchange earnings.
“We are optimistic about achieving this foreign tourist visits target next year,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, following the second day of the Ministry’s Pre-National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) at Pullman Central Park, Jakarta, on Thursday (5/12/2024). Her confidence underscores Indonesia’s strategic initiatives to enhance tourism.
To meet the ambitious goal, the Ministry of Tourism has outlined a multifaceted approach, including ramping up promotional efforts, improving infrastructure, and attracting visitors during the low season. Enhancing connectivity across key destinations is also a crucial part of the plan.
Acting Deputy for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, elaborated on the strategy, emphasizing that the target aligns with a broader vision to maximize the economic benefits of tourism. “Increasing the number of foreign tourists is both a challenge and an opportunity for Indonesia’s tourism sector,” she said.
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Digitalization will play a central role in achieving this vision, according to Made. By harnessing the power of online platforms, the Ministry aims to amplify global awareness of Indonesia’s diverse attractions. She cited the example of Reog Ponorogo, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, as an opportunity to captivate international audiences.
“Many people didn’t know about Reog Ponorogo before. Now, with UNESCO’s acknowledgment, they’ve become curious, and some will eventually decide to visit Indonesia to experience it firsthand,” Made explained.
The potential to attract global tourists is immense. Made highlighted that nearly 968 million people have searched for information about Indonesia online. This interest represents a promising opportunity to convert curiosity into actual visits.
“To capitalize on this, we need accurate and engaging information about our destinations and events. Clean, well-maintained locations are also critical. A complete ecosystem must be in place to deliver quality and memorable experiences,” she added.
Improving the quality of tourist experiences is not just about boosting visitor numbers. Made stressed that a focus on infrastructure, events, and services could also extend the duration of stays. This, in turn, would translate into significant foreign exchange earnings for the country.
With these efforts, Indonesia is not only eyeing a successful 2025 for its tourism sector but also aiming to cement its reputation as a world-class destination.
