Tourism Minister Upbeat for Reaching Foreign Tourist Visit Target

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno expressed optimism that this year’s target of international visits can be met in line with foreign tourists’ increasing interest and confidence in Indonesia.

“Thank God, there is a high demand for [tourism in] Indonesia, so we are working to ensure that several activities are carried out to convert interest into visits within the next few months. Thus, in 2023 we can achieve the target that was significantly increased to almost double [the previous target] by adding more flights,” he said in his remarks at the Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno aired on the YouTube channel of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Tuesday (10/11).

Data from Statistics Indonesia revealed that as many as 1.86 million foreign tourists have visited the country as of August 2022. For this reason, Sandi is optimistic that the number of international visitors can rise to 2.5 million by the end of the year, meeting the target of 1.86-3.6 million international visits.

“Thank God, we are right on track to achieve the middle threshold. As the target is 1.8-3.6 [million], we can reach the middle threshold at 2.5 million,” he said.

Sandi pointed out that the number of international visits soars as foreign tourists’ confidence in Indonesia’s tourism grows, adding that it is also supported by the hosting of various international events in the country, particularly the series of G20 meetings whose final event will be held next month in Bali.

“We have to be grateful for the G20 events as they stimulated the growth of culinary, fashion, and creative sectors. Thank God, it has created 33,000 new jobs, increased domestic consumption to Rp1.7 trillion, and enhanced our positive image,” he said.

Sandi also expressed hope that after the G20 events are over and as the holiday period draws near, the number of flights will increase, so flight ticket prices can be more affordable and seat occupancy rate can increase as well.

On that occasion, Sandi further stated that his ministry continues to increase the number of domestic tourist visits in line with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s directive that the people should travel within the country because Indonesia boasts many tourist destinations.

“We have a target to increase the number of domestic tourists to 1.4 billion because we are still far behind China, behind Australia whose domestic tourist visit rate is much higher than ours,” he said. (UN) (DH/MUR)

Visit the official website of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy through this link.