TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno expressed his optimism that Chinese tourists can help in achieving the 7.4 million tourists visit target for 2023. Moreover, 210 Chinese tourists had landed at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

"China is one of the largest market country for Indonesian tourism. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy targeted Chinese tourist visits at 255,300 for 2023," Sandiaga said in an official statement as quoted by Tempo on Monday, January 23, 2023.

Sandiaga said that the government will continue to apply health protocols previously determined by yhr Covid-19 special task force. However, Chinese tourists are no longer subject to additional checks. "Everything follows currently available standards," Sandiaga stated.

The former Jakarta Deputy Governor said that the return of Chinese tourists can help to achieve 7.4 foreign tourists visits. Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will continue to promote favorite tourists destinations such as Bali, Manado, and other destinations prioritized to attrace the Chinese market.

Furthermore, Sandiaga said that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy laid out a special red carpet for Chinese tourists because they had helped to maintain Indonesia's economy. "We hoped that the arrival of Chinese tourists can expedite the recovery of this sector and more job vacancies are open," Sandiaga said.

Deputy of Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Ni Made Ayu Marthini mentioned that Bali has become the first destination for Chinese tourists because based on Chinese Online Travel Agent, there has been a significant increase in the search for tourist attractions abroad by 340 percent. Indonesia is listed as one of the major five tourists search including Bali, which experienced a 250 percent search inquiry.

Ayu hoped that the welcoming of Chinese tourists can provide an effective promotional method. "Bali is so popular in China. They love Bali for its nature, hotels, and spas," Ayu said.

Meanwhile, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said that the number of tourists Chinese tourists who visits back in 2019 reached up to 1.2 million visits, which is the second highest after tourists from Australia. In 2019, the total of foreign tourists visits is recorded at 6.3 million.

"Hopefully this year it will improve as planned that 2023 will be the resurrection of Bali's tourism …," Wayan said.

RIRI RAHAYU

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