TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) appreciated the tourism development in Indonesia, particularly its increase in tourist arrivals which was among the fastest globally, Tourism Ministry noted in a press release received by Tempo on Thursday, November 7.

UNWTO deputy of secretary-general Jaime Alberto Cabal Saclamente conveyed the appreciation in the meeting with Trade Minister Arief Yahya in Indonesia Pavilion during World Travel Market in London, Tuesday, November 6. “This fastest increase is a result of the digital transformation,” said Arief Yahya.

As quoted from UNWTO, Arief Yahya said Indonesia could be a role model for other countries on its digital tourism.

Read: Indonesia's Tourism Sector Growth Ranks Ninth in World

Delegations of UNWTO visited Indonesia Pavilion and held a session with the ministry for talks on various strategic programs between Trade Ministry and UNWTO. During the meeting, Arief Yahya accompanied by Ministry’s Deputy of Marketing Development Nia Niscaya explained about Visa Free policy, Sustainable Tourism Observatories and Conservatories, Go Digital, Story Telling on Tourism, and Homestay which showed good result since it was first developed in 2016.

Sustainable tourism and digital tourism became the highlight topic. UNWTO supported all implementation of technology for tourism development in Indonesia as it was in line with the organization’s vision.

“Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia is appreciated by UNWTO through the development of 5 Sustainable Tourism Observatories (STOs). Hopefully, this meeting will further tighten ties between Indonesia and UNWTO,” said Arief Yahya.

UNWTO, which its headquarter located in Madrid, Spain, is one of United Nations’ organization that responsible for world tourism. Established in 1998, UNWTO’s membership amounted to 158 countries.

TULUS WIJANARKO