Following Indonesia’s tourism recovery, the country’s popularity as a holiday destination continues to grow. A recent poll has revealed that the archipelago is now ahead of its regional neighbours, with more and more visitors offering positive reviews. Data experts and think tanks are also lauding Indonesia’s recent achievements, with praise for the country’s handling of Covid-19 and high hopes for the future.
The latest Travel & Tourism Development Index measures countries’ recovery, providing metrics that offer benchmarks for success. According to the report’s website, the index provides an objective view of the various “factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country.”
A direct evolution of the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, the latest edition of the index highlights a number of various strategies that can help countries to ‘build back better’. This includes a look at shifting demand dynamics and future opportunities and risks; according to the report, these metrics can help to ensure that “a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient sector (is) created.”
In the latest global rankings, Indonesia jumped from to number 44 to number 32 with a score of 4.4 (previously 4.2). The rankings assess countries’ rate of recovery following COVID-19, but also the degree of success they have had in the eyes of the public with regards to reopening. The results are a boost for Indonesia’s tourism officials, who have seen their nation overtake some illustrious neighbours.
“For the first time, Indonesia ranks above Thailand and Malaysia,” says Luhut Pandjaitan, who is Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment. He was speaking at a tourism investment forum in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Friday, 9 September.
The event was geared towards generating investment for Indonesia’s so-called five ‘super priority’ destinations (Lake Toba in North Sumatra; Borobudur in Central Java; Mandalika in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara; Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara; and Likupang in North Sulawesi).
“Hopefully we can develop a variety of new tourism destinations while maintaining the characteristics of each region,” said Luhut during the meeting. The minister added that Indonesia must continue to drive this revival forwards, through events that can enhance the country’s international reputation.
Recent events on Indonesian soil have included the World Super Bike and MotoGP at Lombok’s Mandalika circuit, along with the international G20 Summit, which is currently being held in Bali and locations throughout Indonesia in 2022. Next year, there will also be the F1 H20 competition in Lake Toba and the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo. With more and more international events lighting up the calendar, Indonesia continues to cement its reputation as one of the leading tourism destinations in Southeast Asia.
