Welcoming the First Foreign Tourists in Bali in 2023, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy: Hopefully this will be a New Leaf for Indonesian Tourism

Menparekraf Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno welcomed the first tourist in Bali in 2023. (Photo: Doc. Kemenparekraf)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno welcomed the first tourists arriving in Indonesia in 2023.

The two tourists came from Toronto, Canada, and arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, using a Korean Air plane from Incheon, South Korea.

"On behalf of the government, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has the honor of receiving visits from foreign tourists, namely a couple from Toronto, they will be in Bali for one month to visit several places and will be diving. After that, they will also go to Yogyakarta and several other destinations", said Sandiaga at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, as quoted on Sunday, January 1.

Several tourists from South Korea were warmly welcomed by Menparekraf Sandiaga, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati while giving flower garlands and souvenirs.

"Apart from Toronto, there are several pairs of tourists from South Korea. Hopefully, after PPKM ends it will become a new chapter of Indonesian tourism", said Sandiaga.

The performance of the tourism and creative economy sectors in 2023 will be faced with quite high targets. The arrival of foreign tourists (tourists) is expected to reach 7.4 million and domestic tourists to reach 1.2-1.4 billion movements.

Bali as one of the leading destinations in Indonesia which are known for its reputation in the eyes of the world is expected to support this target with several foreign tourist visits of up to four million.

"We hope that Bali in particular can reach four million. This year, the target (tourists to Bali) which was originally 1.8 was achieved with 2.2 million", said Sandiaga.

"God willing, this target will be realized. Let's maintain our preparedness, and vigilance, whether it is related to extreme weather or if there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in several countries", he continued.

To achieve this target, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy together with related parties will try their best to prepare various programs, especially on quality and sustainable tourism with nature and culture as an attraction.

"Also increasing accessibility, adding attractions, especially events. The big events in 2023 are many (related to) sports, there is the FIFA World Cup U-20, in Bali, there is the World Beach Game, and in Jakarta, there is the FIBA World Cup. So, this is the strategy that we will use to support the increase in the number of foreign tourists", Sandiaga concluded.