Indonesia’s breathtaking natural beauty is no secret, with destinations like Labuan Bajo emerging as favorite spots for international tourists. Among these visitors, Chinese tourists stand out, making China one of the top five countries contributing the most visitors to Indonesia, with many of them exploring the enchanting Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.
In 2023, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that 787,900 Chinese tourists visited Indonesia. Many of them exploring the Labuan Bajo. Recognizing the high interest from Chinese tourists, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) and the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) are working to spread these visitors across the island of Flores. Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Frans Teguh, highlighted their recent efforts, which included organizing a Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) and a Table Top Meeting in Labuan Bajo.
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To open new travel opportunities between China and Labuan Bajo, they invited Chinese travel agents and tour operators for a five-day visit in May 2024. This initiative aimed to develop new tour packages, enhancing the tourist experience and promoting Labuan Bajo.
“Famtrip and Table Top activities are highly effective in promoting our destinations and tourism products. We hope to achieve a more balanced distribution of tourists, not only in Labuan Bajo but across the entire Flores region,” Frans explained.
“The Indonesian government is committed to working closely with stakeholders, tourism businesses, airlines, and the local community. We are grateful to everyone involved in this collaboration. Our goal is to elevate Labuan Bajo to one of the top tourist destinations in Indonesia and the world,” added Frans.
Adila, the Head of the East Asia Market Team representing the Director of Regional 1 Tourism Marketing at Kemenparekraf, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Famtrip in promoting Labuan Bajo to the Chinese market.
“Famtrip is a strategic approach to showcase Labuan Bajo Flores as a prime destination for Chinese tourists.
With Komodo Airport now designated as an International Airport, we anticipate improved accessibility to Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas, boosting tourist arrivals.
“Through Famtrip, we can uncover and highlight the vast tourism potential in Labuan Bajo, aiming to position it as a premier destination for the Chinese market,” Adila stated on Tuesday (28/5/2024).
The recent spotlight on Labuan Bajo, including the emergence of ‘New Moscow’ on its map, reflects its growing popularity. Jewelry designer Wanda Ponika’s social media comments about FNs operating businesses on tourist visas have stirred conversations about ‘economic colonization.’
In conclusion, as Labuan Bajo continues to captivate international visitors, collaborative efforts between the Indonesian government and tourism stakeholders are crucial in ensuring sustainable growth and a balanced distribution of economic benefits across Flores.
