In a noteworthy development for Indonesia’s tourism sector, the country welcomed a remarkable 11.7 million foreign tourist arrivals throughout 2023. This figure marks a significant achievement, surpassing the set target of 11 million visits.
This news is as announced by Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno during The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno program on Monday (5/2/2024). The Ministry had initially aimed for 11 million foreign tourist visits for the year 2023.
The surge in foreign tourist visits is indeed impressive, reflecting a notable increase of about 98.30 percent compared to the same period in 2022, according to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). In 2022, Indonesia recorded 5,889,030 foreign tourist visits, whereas by December 2023, the number had soared to 1.14 million visits, as reported by BPS.
Minister Sandiaga Uno highlighted the top five countries contributing to this influx of foreign tourists to Indonesia. Among them are Malaysia, accounting for 18.45 percent, followed by Singapore with 16.41 percent, Australia with 11.87 percent, China with 6.60 percent, and East Timor with 5.72 percent.
Expressing optimism about further boosting tourism, Minister Uno emphasized plans to intensify promotional activities in key markets. He asserted, “I will promptly arrange visits to several countries to enhance tourism. This strategic move aims to revitalize the sector and potentially surpass pre-pandemic levels, targeting 17 million visits.”
While the increase in foreign tourist arrivals is promising, it also sheds light on the hospitality industry’s performance. Star-rated hotel occupancy has surged, nearing 60 percent at 59.74 percent. Conversely, non-starred hotel room occupancy remains comparatively low at 28.67 percent.
The surge in foreign tourist arrivals not only bodes well for Indonesia’s tourism sector but also contributes significantly to the economy. Minister Uno underscored the economic benefits associated with increased tourism, which include job creation, revenue generation, and the overall growth of local businesses.
Indonesia’s tourism sector is crucial for its economic growth and development. As the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the resilience and adaptability of the tourism industry play a pivotal role in driving recovery efforts. With concerted efforts from stakeholders and effective strategies in place, Indonesia is poised to further capitalize on its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract more visitors in the years to come.
