Indonesia takes to global stage with WTM sponsorship
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Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has signed a major sponsorship deal with World Travel Market (WTM) London.
The Southeast Asian country will use the London travel trade show to promote its ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ tourism brand on a global stage, as part of the government’s efforts to attract 20 million international visitors by 2019.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that signing the sponsorship deal with WTM would help Indonesia highlight its attractions and the fact that visiting it is now easier, following the relaxation of visa regulations and the launch of Garuda’s direct London flights.
“WTM is the biggest, most important global travel market in the world,” he said. “[It] enables us to promote our message of Wonderful Indonesia in a cost-efficient and effective manner to decision-makers and influencers from around the world.”
About 150 delegates from 53 companies in Indonesia will attend WTM London, which this year takes place from 7-9 November. They will be on hand to showcase the country’s main attractions, such as the beaches of Bali, UNESCO World Heritage sites in Java, prime diving spots, and shopping in Jakarta.
“Indonesia is ready to welcome the world with free visas-on-arrival for citizens of almost all countries, new airports and seaports being built or upgraded throughout the country, and simplified cruise ship regulations to encourage the growth of cruising in our unique archipelago of 13,000-plus islands,” the minister added.
Reaching 20m visitors by 2019 would mark a major achievement for Indonesia, as it would require the country to almost double last year’s total of 10.5m international arrivals. This, according to the minister, means that it is essential that Indonesia expands the scope of its promotional activities to a global level.
“The ministry recognises the importance of the UK and EU markets in bringing visitors who stay on average 10 days or more, who are high spenders and who appreciate not just Bali but also the cultural and natural wonders found throughout our archipelago of 13,000 plus tropical islands,” Arief said. “As well as continuing branding and promotion efforts throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East, there are numerous plans to increase tourism promotion efforts in key European markets.
“By participating in WTM 2016 and working with our partners in the travel trade, media, and airlines throughout the rest of the year, the ministry expects 2016 will be the best year ever and will keep international arrivals on track to reach a record 20 million by 2019,” he concluded.
The number of British visitors to Indonesia is experiencing strong growth, rising 21% year-on-year to 280,000 in 2015.
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