Ministry Of Tourism Wants To Increase Tourist Visits From Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) wants to increase tourist visits from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia because of market potential that can be worked on in this sector.

"We are working with the Ministry of Hajj (about this). Of course how this can be transferred to them so they visit Indonesia. Because frankly until now they know Bali again, maybe Jakarta, West Java they know," said Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, quoted by Antara, Saturday, November 22.

Responding to Saudi Arabia's market potential, Made said that currently the Ministry of Tourism wants to boost the number of visits, especially during the Hajj season.

This moment is the right time to echo tourism promotions more strongly because Saudi Arabian tourists like to travel to various regions. Various interesting promotions will highlight Indonesia's natural and cultural wealth from all over the country.

Based on its observations, Saudi Arabian tourists like to spend more (spending) funds to shop and stay at luxury hotels. This behavior can increase state income, especially during the holiday season.

"For example, if there are several in Bali. They go to St. Regis, Jumeirah, that's seven stars. That's what they are looking for, so because it doesn't matter and they really have to be expensive services, so that's normal," said Made.

Saudi Arabian tourists also like to enjoy Indonesian nature and cool or cold weather. One of the destinations exemplified by Made is the peak.

This is based on geographical differences where Arabia has more deserts than beautiful areas.

In this regard, the General Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies (ASITA) Rusmiati confirmed that their interest in traveling is more focused on family and staying for a long time (long-stay).

Destinations that are favored other than the peak are the sea and the scenery with thick green trees.

"He (a Saudi Arabian tourist) really likes rain, so when we rain, he even wants to see. So, he likes funny things," he said.

Rusmiati admitted that she had invited Saudi Arabian tourists to the Queen Port and it turned out that they were very happy and did not want simple transportation, namely just take a car.

Rusmiati also said that Saudi Arabian tourists are less interested in technological matters. On the other hand, they like to taste unique and good foods for health.

In 2024, according to data from the Central Statistics Agency, there were only 135,643 foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, while in 2019 (pre-pandemic), the number of Saudi tourists was recorded at around 157,512 people.