Indonesia Seeks to Boost Tourism from Middle East and Central Europe
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has actively promoted Indonesia’s tourism to potential markets in the Middle East, Central Europe, and Central America. These regions have been identified as significant contributors to Indonesia’s international tourist arrivals.
During the Familiarization Trip Program held on Friday, Minister Uno engaged with travel agents, journalists, content creators, and tourism observers from Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, and Panama. “These participants have a crucial role in promoting Indonesia to these three potential marketing regions,” he noted.
Minister Uno highlighted the importance of focusing on these regions due to their increasing tourist contributions. In 2023, Indonesia saw a 33 percent rise in Bulgarian tourists, a 35 percent increase in Central American tourists, and a 30 percent growth in Saudi Arabian tourists. “We aim to use this momentum to attract more culture-interested tourists,” he remarked.
The Ministry’s strategy includes attracting “quality tourists” who are likely to spend more nights and invest more in their stays in Indonesia. Uno expressed hope that the Familiarization Trip Program would inspire participants to advocate for Indonesian tourism upon their return home.
“We hope for continued promotions that will result in more tourists visiting Indonesia, as we have seen a significant increase in visits from those three regions,” he stated.
During the event, Minister Uno was accompanied by Sukmo Harsono, Indonesian Ambassador to Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, and Iwan Bogananta, Indonesian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Albania, and North Macedonia.
