Categories: Travel

Tourism from India to Indonesia surges by 62%, Sales Mission aims to boost growth, ET TravelWorld

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia (MoTCE), in collaboration with the Badung Regency Government of Bali and key stakeholders in Indonesia’s tourism industry, is holding a comprehensive Tourism Sales Mission across South Asia from September 9-18, 2024. The mission spans five cities—Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Jaipur in India, and Kathmandu in Nepal—aiming to strengthen Indonesia’s appeal as a top destination for South Asian travelers.

The roadshow is designed to promote Bali and other Indonesian destinations to the Indian and Nepali markets, focusing on luxury tourism, weddings, honeymoons, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions). Wellness tourism, a growing trend, is also highlighted, further boosted by Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru’s recent visit to Bali for a spiritual retreat.

Promoting Bali & Beyond
With direct flights from New Delhi and Bangalore to Bali, Indonesia is strategically focusing on these two cities as key markets for outbound tourism. Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, emphasised that Bali is a “magnet for South Asian tourists,” but the sales mission aims to encourage visitors to explore other Indonesian destinations, including Yogyakarta, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Jakarta.

As of July 2024, India ranked fifth in international tourist arrivals to Indonesia, with 417,703 Indian tourists visiting, constituting 62.64 per cent of the 2024 target. Nepal has also shown remarkable growth, with a 65.5 per cent increase in Nepali tourists visiting Indonesia as of June 2024.

Addressing the New Delhi Roadshow on September 16, HE Madam Ina Krishnamurthi, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, highlighted the importance of direct flights between India and Indonesia as a crucial factor in boosting tourism. She encouraged the development of non-traditional attractions such as golf, wellness, and Religious, Cultural, and Heritage (RiCH) tourism, strengthening ties between the two countries.

In addition, Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno emphasised the need for sustained promotional efforts. “We must continue encouraging Indian and Nepali tourists through roadshows and sales missions to keep the momentum growing,” he said.

India has become an important source of international tourists to Iran. In 2023, Iran welcomed nearly 5.9 million international visitors, with more than 58,000 Indian tourists—a 31 per cent increase from the previous year. This rise reflects growing interest among Indian travellers in Iran’s unique tourism offerings, from its historic landmarks to its vibrant cultural experiences.

Ambassador Ina also called for responsible tourism practices, reminding the industry about the need for sustainability measures, such as the recently implemented tourist levy in Bali, which is designed to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The sales mission has attracted participation from 35 Indonesian tourism companies, representing various sectors including hotels, travel agencies, attractions, and MICE services. The program features business-to-business (B2B) sessions and an Indonesia Tourism Update, providing the latest on Indonesian travel policies, connectivity, and destination highlights.

The event aims to foster partnerships between South Asian and Indonesian tourism industries, promoting a diverse range of travel packages. “We hope this will not only boost tourism numbers but also encourage more responsible and quality tourism,” said Deputy Made.

With Bali as a key focus, the mission also seeks to position the island as a world-class wellness destination, leveraging its natural beauty and appeal to international travelers seeking physical and spiritual rejuvenation. The Tourism Sales Mission continues in Chennai, Jaipur, and Kathmandu as Indonesia targets increased tourism from South Asia, particularly India and Nepal.