Indonesia beyond Bali

In a bid to provide experiences for different segments of Indian travellers, Indonesia has identified ‘10 New Balis’ and has prioritised four key destinations to attract more tourists.

TT Bureau

Reiterating that the Indian market is one of the most important markets for Indonesia, Dr. Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Director of Tourism Marketing – South & Central Asia, Middle East, Africa – Republic of Indonesia, claims that visitor arrivals from India are increasing year by year. “We received close to 595,000 visitors from India, which is a 12 per cent growth from the previous year. This year, we are hopeful of receiving 700,000 tourists,” informs Witjaksono.

We received close to 595,000 visitors from India; this year, we are hopeful of receiving 700,000 tourists

He further said that they are looking to reach out to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. “Apart from popular segments in the country, we are also focusing on other segments like MiCE and weddings. We are especially looking to attract millennials. The adventure segment is booming in Indonesia with activities like diving getting popular. So, we are looking to focus on segmented visitors,” he said.

According to him, 60 per cent Indians travel to or through Bali, and now their focus is to promote Indonesia beyond Bali. “While the tourism board has identified ‘10 New Balis’ for the Indian market, it has prioritised four key destinations from those 10. They are Lake Toba in the North of Sumatra; Borobudur in Central Java, which also has two prominent Hindu temples; Mandalika on the island of Lombok; and Labuan Bajo in the Nusa Tenggara region of East Indonesia, close to Komodo Island. We are promoting these areas in India. Bali is known in the India market. We have to educate on destinations beyond Bali,” he added.

The country is also pinning hopes on Air India’s proposed Delhi-Chennai-Bali flight, expected to start from Oct 27.