TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno targeted 406,470 foreign tourists from the U.S. this year. He said that the number of foreign tourists post-COVID-19 pandemic is recovering, but has yet to reach initial pre-pandemic data.

"In 2024, the target of US visitors is to increase by 226 percent compared to 2023 from 124,700 to 406,470 visitors," he said in a written statement on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

The realization of US visitors in 2023 has surpassed its target, the minister said. As of November 2023, US tourists in Indonesia amounted to 358,769 visits.

Alongside a high target is a massive promotion, Sandiaga said. According to him, the increase in target must be used to net quality tourists, since US visitors have "high spending and longer stay".

The Deputy of the Marketing Department of the ministry Ni Made Ayu Marthini said that US visitors prefer nature activities and adventures. This point is in line with the trend of foreign visitors focusing their visits on mindfulness and physical health.

One of the promotional efforts Indonesia chose for this tourism was participating in the New York Travel and Adventure Show from January 27-28, 2024. According to Ayu, Indonesia's participation in this event is appropriate as New York is a trendsetter city with a high inbound rate of international tourists.

"The promotional activities in New York City may have a wider impact to support the achievement of foreign tourists target, foreign tourists higher spending, and longer stays," she said.

The Regional Tourism Marketing Director Cecep Rukendi added that the ministry is facilitating seven tourism actors from Indonesia in the New York event. Those consist of tour operators and accommodation, especially in Bali and the other five super-priority destinations.

"Including Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika in NTB, Labuan Bajo in NTT, and Likupang in North Sulawesi," he concluded.

ANNISA FEBIOLA

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