JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa stated that the concept of sustainable tourism (quality tourism) is an effective approach to fixing the tourism sector.
"We shouldn't be trapped, because (tourism) is of high quality, it doesn't mean we only target certain segments. But how do we improve deeper so that tourists who come can get quality travel experience," Ni Luh said in her official statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Saturday, June 21.
When attending a public lecture at Mahendradatta University, Denpasar, Bali on Saturday (21/6), Ni Luh assessed that the approach would have a positive impact on the community.
Because the concept is not only talking about the number of visits but also a way to increase the competitiveness of destinations so that they can provide unique, high-value, and sustainable experiences for tourists.
"Through a healthy environment, a safe and comfortable place, good contact with local communities, and the ability to respect local communities," he said.
According to him, quality tourism is the key in improving the performance of the tourism sector through improving the quality of service, sustainability, empowering human resources, and creating tourism experiences that have a positive impact on all parties such as tourists, industry players, local communities, and the environment.
However, Ni Luh highlighted that there is still a wrong understanding regarding quality tourism which is often associated only with high-spending tourists.
In fact, the post-COVID-19 global trend has changed tourist preferences to prioritize personal, responsible, and environmentally friendly experiences.
Tourists now choose low-emission transportation, non-congested destinations, and sustainable accommodation. They tend to seek calm, stay away from crowds, and be interested in hidden destinations. This concept is in line with the principles of the new tourism economy, namely low touch, hygiene, less crowd, and low mobility.
"These four principles then strengthen that quality tourism is a necessity. This is no longer an option for the government, for tourism industry players, but this is something we must do together," he said.
There are a number of efforts that the Ministry of Tourism has made, such as presenting the Clean Tourism Movement, as an activation of the movement to raise mutual concern for waste problems and cleanliness in destinations, the Tourism 5.0 program which encourages tourism digitization and the use of technology for broader and quality marketing, to target market targets effectively.
There is also a Class Up Tourism program to encourage tourism quality through the development of special interest tourism, such as gastro tourism or culinary, marine tourism or marine tourism, and wellness tourism or fitness tourism.
Furthermore, there is Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN). Based on a national study, the implementation of the KEN event in 2024 was able to increase the production of goods and services to Rp256.1 billion and contribute to GDP of Rp238.2 billion, as well as the circulation of money which reached Rp13.57 trillion.
"Because this event has an extraordinary multiplier effect. Economic turnover at the Bali Arts Festival in 2024, for example, its implementation, which has a significant economic impact of around Rp192.3 billion for Denpasar City and its surroundings. In addition, the occupancy of lodging occupancy around the venue for activities increased by 20 percent," he said.
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The ministry also presents the Tourism Village program to improve the quality and quantity of more than 6,000 tourist villages throughout Indonesia for economic growth and equitable development.
Statistically, tourism has made a significant contribution to the national economy. The number of foreign tourist visits jumped from 1.6 million in 2021 to almost 14 million in 2024.
This year's tourism target is 14.6 million to 16.0 million foreign tourist visits and 1.08 billion domestic tourist trips.
In terms of economy, the tourism sector is targeted to contribute foreign exchange of 19.0 to 22.1 billion US dollars, and contribute to national GDP of 4.6 percent, or equivalent to Rp1,118.6 trillion. In 2024, tourism contribution to GDP reached 4.04 percent and foreign exchange revenues reached 16.71 billion US dollars.
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