Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and Indonesia is reaping the benefits in the tourism sector. Thanks to AI, Indonesia has made significant strides in the global tourism index, now holding the 22nd position—a leap from its previous spot at 32nd. This advancement places Indonesia ahead of regional rivals such as Thailand and Malaysia.
“AI has helped us achieve a remarkable jump of 10 ranks, moving from position 32 to position 22,” said Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, as reported by Antara on August 6, 2024.
The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) supports this progress. The index ranks Malaysia at 35th and Thailand at 47th globally. Singapore leads in the ASEAN region, securing the 13th position.
“AI assists us in understanding tourism trends that are personalized, customized, localized, and smaller in size,” Sandiaga explained.
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Personalized tourism involves crafting unique experiences for individuals or small groups. Customized tourism focuses on creating tailored experiences that meet specific traveler needs, such as exploring natural landscapes or engaging in local cultural activities. Localized tourism ensures that offerings are relevant and accessible to domestic travelers, reducing travel distance.
The concept of Smaller Size means that destinations are less crowded, providing a more relaxed environment for exploration. According to Sandiaga, AI’s emphasis on these trends highlights the importance of quality over sheer numbers in tourism.
“Although our tourist numbers might not rival those of Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam, our ranking reflects the quality of our tourism experiences,” Sandiaga noted.
Indonesia’s tourism quality is assessed based on the length of stay and visitor spending, demonstrating AI’s role in enhancing the sustainability and richness of tourism experiences.
This significant improvement in Indonesia’s tourism ranking underscores AI’s transformative impact, establishing the country as a notable player in the global tourism industry.
