The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Indonesian Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) has taken part in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023, which was held at Excel, London, UK, from 6th to 8th November 2023.
Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Indonesian Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasized that Indonesia’s participation in the WTM London aims to promote the country’s tourism to the UK and the wider European market, leveraging the world’s second-largest tourism exhibition.
Uno highlighted that Indonesia remains a top destination for European tourists and that their involvement in WTM London is expected to bolster the nation’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism and drive the creation of new, high-quality jobs.
Data shows that the UK is Indonesia’s primary European tourist market, followed by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of UK tourists visiting Indonesia reached 397,624. However, this figure decreased to 170,881 in 2022.
Uno expressed optimism for a rebound in the number of UK tourists visiting Indonesia in 2023. Recent statistics from January to September 2023 indicated that 255,714 UK tourists had already visited Indonesia.
During the WTM, Kemenparekraf facilitated 40 tourism industry players, including travel agencies and accommodation providers from various Indonesian provinces, using a collaborative marketing concept.
In addition, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy of Marketing, emphasized the importance of organizing events to enhance the range of activities for tourists visiting Indonesia. The ministry believes that events-led tourism can help Indonesian tourism return to pre-pandemic levels, in addition to developing five super-priority destinations.
Indonesia’s pavilion covered an area of 171 m2 in hall S10-220, with the theme “Exploring New Destinations of Wonders.” This theme underscores Indonesia’s commitment to promoting its five super-priority destinations beyond Bali, each showcasing captivating, authentic, and distinct landscapes and cultures.
Sandiaga stated that this focus is expected to enhance the quality of tourist visits, particularly for foreign tourists, encouraging them to prolong their stay in Indonesia. This, in turn, would have a positive impact on the creative economy products within the five super-priority destinations.
The pavilion at WTM London this year aims to attract 91,000 visitors and potentially generate Rp1.75 trillion in foreign exchange, which is anticipated to provide tangible benefits to the tourism industry and the Indonesian people.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s participation in WTM London 2023 reflects the country’s dedication to attracting more European tourists and enhancing its tourism sector, making a significant contribution to economic growth and job creation.
