A recent study by Tourism of Australia has revealed that Indonesia remains the location of choice for Australian travellers looking to travel abroad. An overwhelming 67% of respondents chose Indonesia as their top destination for post-pandemic travel, with Bali featuring especially prominently in travel itineraries following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
The results were announced during a live webinar hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, held in Bali on 25th November. The news is a positive indication of Indonesia’s enduring appeal, and bodes well for a tourism revival following official recovery from Covid-19.
“Even after the pandemic, Indonesia remains the favourite tourist destination on the wish list of Australians,” confirmed Mohammad Syarif Alatas, who is Deputy Head of the Indonesian Representative, Indonesian Embassy in Canberra. “Australians keep asking when Indonesia will reopen its door to tourism. They ask us by phone or email,” added Syarif.
The webinar was held to discuss revival strategies and the opportunities presented by Indonesia’s new visa provision. Commenting within a wider discussion, entitled ‘New Visa Policy: Challenges and Opportunities for Tourism in the New Normal Era’, Syarif also noted that his office continues to focus on promotion geared towards the Australian market, in an effort to tap into this popularity and potential. This includes Indonesia’s participation in the ASEAN Village project.
“We are currently preparing so that when borders are opened, we are ready,” commented Nia Niscaya, who is Deputy for Tourism Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Baparekraf). “We have issued guides on how to implement health protocols in tourist destinations. We are responding to market demand for certification related to health protocols through CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment) campaign. The InDOnesia CARE label is proof that a destination has put health protocols in place,” she continued.
Regional Tourism Marketing Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Vinsensius Jemadu, said, “While tourism is the sector worst affected, it cannot change our passion and commitment. We started on 19th November and we continue to support our buyers abroad by providing [the] latest updates on our efforts.”
With a range of safety protocols and certification in place, the nation’s popularity remains undented among foreign travellers; Indonesian tourism is poised and ready to make a comeback as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
