In addition to introducing Indonesian tourism to the Middle Eastern market, the program is also aimed at building a network with the global tourism industry, thus increasing the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia.

Nia Niscaya, the ministry's deputy assistant for promotion to Europe, Middle East, America, and Africa, said in Jakarta today that the market share for travelers from the Middle East region is very large.

"They also spend money above average. Usually, the stay duration of Middle Eastern tourists is 8.5 days with an average spending of US$1,190 per visitor," she said.

This is Indonesia's 14th participation in the Arabian Travel Market. This year, the Tourism Ministry took 52 national tour operator companies, restaurants and hotels. They are all given a mission to sell Indonesia's travel destinations to prospective tourists in the Middle East.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya reminded his staff to boost sales in addition to promoting and advertising Indonesian tourist destinations, to bring more foreign tourists to the country.

Specifically for the Arab market, the minister reminded all personnel to strengthen sales to destinations within Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The city is designed for the development of halal travel packages, making it a champion in the last year's Abu Dhabi fair as the "World Best Halal Destination" and "Halal Honeymoon" destination.

BISNIS.COM