Wednesday, September 18, 2024 The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) of the Republic of Indonesia, in partnership with the Badung Regency Government of Bali and key players in Indonesia’s tourism industry, is organizing a Tourism Sales Mission across the South Asia region from 9-18 September 2024. This ambitious tourism roadshow will visit four prominent Indian cities—Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, and Jaipur—before concluding in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The roadshow aims to solidify Indonesia’s position as a preferred destination for South Asian travelers by showcasing the country’s vibrant tourism offerings.
This collaborative effort between MoTCE, Badung Regency Government, and Indonesia’s tourism stakeholders seeks to reinforce the country’s appeal as a top travel destination in the minds of South Asian tourists, particularly those from India and Nepal. The cities included in the tour were carefully selected based on their growing interest in Indonesia as a travel destination. New Delhi and Bangalore, in particular, were chosen due to the availability of direct flights to Bali, making them strategic hubs for future tourist growth.
Meanwhile, Chennai, Jaipur, and Kathmandu were identified as emerging markets that have demonstrated promising trends in outbound travel to Indonesia. As of July 2024, India has emerged as a key market for Indonesian tourism, with 417,703 Indian tourists visiting the archipelago. This accounts for 62.
64% of the Ministry’s target of 671,136 Indian outbound travelers for the year. Indian tourists now rank fifth in the list of international visitors to Indonesia, with Bali standing out as the most popular destination within the country. Moreover, India is the second-largest market for tourists visiting Bali, underscoring the significant role Indian travelers play in Indonesia’s tourism landscape.
In addition to the Indian market, the Tourism Sales Mission is also focusing on Nepal, a country that has shown remarkable growth in outbound tourism to Indonesia. In 2023, the number of Nepali tourists visiting Indonesia increased by an impressive 186% compared to the previous year, making it a fast-growing market. As of June 2024, 3,993 Nepali tourists had already visited Indonesia, marking a 65.
5% increase from the same period in 2023. This surge in tourism reflects the growing interest of Nepali travelers in Indonesia’s diverse and exotic destinations. Nepal, despite being a landlocked country, presents a unique opportunity for Indonesia’s tourism sector.
The country’s residents, who often seek tropical escapes, find Indonesia’s vast archipelago—with its pristine beaches and marine tourism experiences—an ideal holiday destination. The Tourism Sales Mission aims to tap into this potential by offering Nepali tourists a glimpse of the unparalleled beauty and experiences that Indonesia has to offer. Through this roadshow, Indonesia aims to not only attract more tourists but also foster stronger connections with travel industry stakeholders in both India and Nepal.
By engaging in direct dialogues with travel agencies, airlines, and other key players, the MoTCE is paving the way for future partnerships that will enhance travel options between South Asia and Indonesia. The event promises to further position Indonesia as a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Overall, the Tourism Sales Mission reflects Indonesia’s commitment to expanding its tourism reach in the South Asia region and ensuring that it remains a top-of-mind destination for travelers from India and Nepal.
This collaborative initiative is poised to bolster the country’s tourism industry by tapping into two of the most promising outbound markets in the region. The Wonderful Indonesia tourism sales mission in India and Nepal is a joint marketing initiative led by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE), the Badung Regency Government of Bali, and Indonesia’s tourism industry. This event brought together 35 curated Indonesian tourism companies, representing various sectors such as hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, attractions, restaurants, and MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition) services.
The mission’s primary focus is on three key market segments: luxury tourism, weddings and honeymoons, and MICE. Additionally, wellness tourism is being promoted as a major offering, underscoring Indonesia’s appeal in this growing sector. A highlight of Indonesia’s wellness tourism is Bali, which has been solidified as a top spiritual and wellness destination, especially after the visit of renowned Indian yoga teacher and spiritual leader, Sadhguru, in April.
His presence helped elevate Bali’s global reputation for wellness and spiritual retreats, aligning perfectly with the country’s broader efforts to attract luxury and health-conscious travelers from India and Nepal. During the New Delhi Roadshow on 16th September, Madam Ina Krishnamurthi, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in New Delhi, emphasized the crucial role of direct flights in boosting tourism between Indonesia and India. The ambassador pointed out that while the existing direct flights are a vital link, their sustainability relies on consistent two-way traffic, which can only be achieved through robust tourism support.
In addition, the ambassador urged Indonesia’s tourism industry to explore non-traditional attractions such as golf, wellness, and RiCH tourism (Religious, Cultural, and Heritage), given the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Indonesia. Ambassador Ina also stressed the importance of sustainable tourism, noting that certain policies, though sometimes appearing misaligned with tourism promotion, are essential for long-term sustainability. This point referenced the recent tourist levy introduced by the Governor of Bali.
Alongside business-to-business (B2B) sessions, the sales mission program included an Indonesia Tourism Update, which provided attendees with the latest insights on Indonesia’s tourism performance, travel policies, connectivity developments, and destination highlights..
