Indonesia Designates Lampung as a Premier Alternative Tourism Destination

Bandar Lampung, The Gulf Observer: The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has formally designated Lampung Province as a pivotal alternative priority for tourism, specifically targeting visitors from Jakarta and its neighboring areas. This decision was articulated by Bobby Irawan, Head of the Lampung Tourism and Creative Economy Office. Recognizing the strategic appeal and potential of Lampung, this initiative seeks to position the province as a prominent and alluring destination for tourists, emphasizing its unique attractions and offerings as an alternative to established travel circuits. This designation underscores the concerted efforts to diversify and expand tourism opportunities, aiming to stimulate economic growth and promote the rich cultural and natural heritage of Lampung on a broader scale.

Addressing a gathering in Bandar Lampung City, Lampung, the Head of the Lampung Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Bobby Irawan, highlighted the official designation by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Lampung Province has been specifically selected as an alternative priority destination catering to tourists from Jakarta and its neighboring regions, encompassing areas such as Bandung in West Java. This strategic announcement, made on Thursday, signifies a deliberate effort to position Lampung as a premier choice for travelers seeking diverse and appealing tourism experiences, further amplifying its allure within the regional tourism landscape.

Irawan explained that Lampung is chosen as an alternative tourism destination, as the region is home to plenty of tourism spots and is located not too far away from the capital city.

“The distance between Jakarta and Lampung is not too far. Moreover, the costs for enjoying tourism destinations here are much lower. In fact, South Lampung has just recently opened 40 new tourism objects. Lampung is a choice for those seeking to avoid traffic jams during holidays,” he remarked.

He further noted that the Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Ministry (Kemenko Marves) had declared Lampung as the third-best province on Sumatra Island in terms of the tourism appeal, after West Sumatra and Riau Islands.

“Kemenko Marves has awarded Lampung as the third-best tourism province on Sumatra Island, only behind two provinces whose tourism spots have long been renowned,” he pointed out.

Irawan said he believes that by being an alternative tourism region, Lampung had improved its image and erased the stigma of it being a region prone to crimes.

The gradual emergence of numerous favored tourism destinations in Lampung has significantly mitigated prevailing stigmas associated with the region. Bobby Irawan, Head of the Lampung Tourism and Creative Economy Office, emphasized this positive shift and outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at sustaining this momentum. Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts, he underscored the commitment to ongoing preparations involving diverse stakeholders. These preparations prioritize enhancements in traffic management, bolstering tourists’ safety measures, and optimizing accessibility to further elevate Lampung’s appeal as a premier destination. Such concerted actions align with a broader strategy aimed at fostering sustainable growth and ensuring a fulfilling and secure experience for visitors exploring the region’s diverse attractions.

In his address, Bobby Irawan also revealed optimistic projections for tourist visits to Lampung in the year 2023. Forecasts anticipate a substantial influx, with an estimated total of 14 million tourist visits expected throughout the year. This projection significantly surpasses the initial target set at 5.5 million visits, indicating a remarkable surge in tourist interest and traction toward the region. Such an upsurge not only signifies heightened appeal but also underscores the growing prominence of Lampung as a favored destination among travelers, validating ongoing efforts to position the province as a key tourism hub within the broader landscape of Indonesia’s tourist destinations.

Bobby Irawan concluded by citing statistics from September of the previous year, noting that Lampung had already welcomed a significant total of 10.26 million tourists by that point. Based on this trajectory, he extrapolated that the cumulative figure for tourist visits in 2023 is anticipated to reach 14 million. This optimistic projection reflects a consistent upward trend in tourist arrivals, reinforcing the province’s growing popularity as a favored destination among visitors. Such promising figures further substantiate the momentum of Lampung’s tourism sector and underscore its increasing allure within the regional tourism landscape.