TEMPO.CO, Bangkok - AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes lauded President Joko Widodo or Jokowi for Indonesia's government's efforts in promoting tourism.
"I think this is the first leadership model that cares very much for the tourism sector," Fernandes said at the Global Summit World Travel and Tourism Council 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday.
Tony, 52, said that Indonesia's travel appeal comes with policies that make it easier for tourists to visit the country. Today, passport holders from 169 countries can enter Indonesia without visas.
Fernandes also praises the 'Wonderful Indonesia' campaign that can be found in many places.
He hopes the government's tourism promotion will be coupled with efforts to improve infrastructure, especially for transportation.
Tony acknowledges Jokowi's massive infrastructure development programs. "There are several new airports and I am sure there is an agenda to continue improving transportation infrastructure in the years to come," he said.
Since Jokowi became president in 2014, the number of tourist visits to Indonesia continues to rise. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that 9.44 million people came to Indonesia. The number rose to 10.4 people in Indonesia, and again to 11.5 million in 2016.
RAYMUNDUS RIKANG (Bangkok)
