Bintan Tourism Visits Soar, Wisman Rises 60 Percent Early 2026

BINTAN - The level of tourist visits at the beginning of 2026 is said by the Bintan Regency Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) of the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) to show a significant increase compared to the same period last year.

Secretary of the Bintan Disbudpar, Sattridha Novfykar, said that during January-February 2026, the number of foreign tourist visits (wisman) increased by 60 percent compared to January-February 2025, namely from 25 thousand visits to 40 thousand visits.

"Domestic tourist visits also increased to 80 percent, from 103 thousand visits to 183 thousand visits," said Sattridha in Bintan, Saturday, April 18, quoted from ANTARA.

He said the increase in tourist visits earlier this year was a positive signal for the development of the Bintan tourism industry in 2026.

He is optimistic that Bintan tourism will continue to grow and have a positive impact in encouraging regional economic growth.

According to him, the increase in tourist visits was triggered by factors such as the massive promotion of tourist attractions, the commitment of the government together with all stakeholders in creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere for tourists visiting Bintan.

He said Bintan focuses on quality and sustainable tourism so that tourists who have come here, then want to come back with friends and family.

He explained that quality tourism, namely tourist attractions in Bintan must have a certificate of cleanliness, health, safety and environment (Clean, Health, Safety, Environment/CHSE).

Then, sustainable tourism focuses on preserving nature, culture and benefiting the local economy.

"Bintan also has various flagship destinations to attract tourist visits, ranging from nature tourism, culture, culinary, and sport tourism or sports tourism," he said.

Sattridha also added that the trend of tourist visits to Bintan from year to year or after the COVID-19 pandemic continued to increase quite high.

In 2022, the number of foreign visitors was recorded at 137 thousand visits, then 222 thousand visits in 2023, then 208 thousand visits in 2024, and 253 thousand visits in 2025.

Meanwhile, domestic tourists in 2022 amounted to 220 thousand visits, then 2023 amounted to 323 visits, 2024 amounted to 628 visits and 2025 amounted to 744 thousand visits.