TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio said his ministry is eyeing foreign tourists from Europe to visit Indonesia. This shifted strategy was carried out given the drop in the number of Chinese tourists due to the country’s trade war with the United States.

"We do not have to (rely on tourists) from China only. We will aim for countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom. We have not worked this market yet,” the minister who is commonly called Tama told Tempo on Wednesday, December 25.

According to him, Indonesia's destinations that are rich in natural attractions are suitable for the European market. They are attracted by the thrilling holiday experience such as sailing in Labuan Bajo and Tanjung Puting, Tama added.

However, he acknowledged that marketing the country’s tourist destinations in Europe required multiple efforts. The costs are possibly higher than that of promotion in Asia.

"But the market is very potential. We see now that most of the tourists in Labuan Bajo are western ones," he said.

In addition to Europe, the minister also targetted the tourist market from the United States and Australia that have similar interests.

Even though the minister was focusing on marketing destinations to Europe and other western countries, Wishnutama ensured that the government will continue to boost the growth of foreign tourists’ numbers from China. Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry had mapped destinations suitable for Chinese tourists, such as Likupang and Manado.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | BISNIS