TEMPO.CO, Batam - Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno disclosed that the ministry managed to achieve all the targets set for 2023. For 2024, he said the ministry would focus on developing green tourism.

“We close 2023 with gratitude as all targets were achieved,” Sandiaga said before journalists after attending a food bazaar at I Hotel Batam, on Monday, January 1.

He explained that the number of domestic tourist visits in 2023 had increased significantly, surpassing the level before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[The number of] foreign tourists had exceeded the target of above 35 percent (from 8.5 million visits),” he added.

Moreover, out of a total of 11 million international tourists, 1.5 million foreigners entered the country through the Riau Islands, particularly Batam City. “This strengthens the Riau Islands' position as the third largest gateway for foreign tourists entering Indonesia,” Sandiaga confirmed.

2024 Target

The minister expressed optimism that the ministry would continue to make breakthroughs in 2024, although there was a significant increase in tourism last year. One of the breakthroughs is related to green tourism which prioritizes sustainability and guarantees the need for environmental resources.

“We want green tourism to become a mainstay in 2024,” Sandiaga Uno remarked, adding that green tourism destinations in Riau Islands include Nirup Island Batam, Boyotomo Bintan, and Lagoi Resort Bintan.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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