Indonesia’s Emerging Tourist Destinations to Look Out for in 2023

Indonesia is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. The country offers visitors an array of tourist destinations to explore. With its rapidly growing tourism industry, the country is set to showcase some of its top emerging destinations in 2023. 

Indonesia’s Tourism Industry Showing Improvement in 2023

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, addressed the growth of Jakarta’s tourism industry. He highlighted a substantial surge in public interest in travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He also stated that Indonesia’s hotel occupancy rate stood at 54.41% in November 2022. The report indicates that 5.47 million foreign tourists visited the country by December 2022.

The Minister announced that Indonesia improved its ranking in the 2022 Travel & Tourism Development Index, rising from 12th to 32nd out of 117 countries. Uno credited this success to the support given to the industry. 

The support came through in the form of 5 Super-Priority Destinations, eight Tourism Special Economic Zones, and 12 sustainable tourism projects. He expressed hope that the growth would attract more investment. 

Indonesia has set a goal of welcoming 7.4 million foreign tourists in 2023, aiming to achieve a foreign exchange value of USD 6 billion and create employment opportunities for 45 million workers in the tourism and creative economy sectors. Uno encouraged everyone to prioritize innovation, adaptation, and collaboration to achieve these objectives.

The Government’s Role in Advancing Indonesia’s Tourism Industry

Below are some ways the government contributes to the growth and development of Indonesia’s tourism industry.

Strengthening the Partnership Between Indonesia and Malaysia

Sandiaga Uno is optimistic that the partnership between the tourism associations of Indonesia and Malaysia will benefit both nations’ tourism sectors. This partnership also will lead to creating many job opportunities. 

Uno commended the effort for the signing of the MOU between the Indonesia Tours & Travel Association (ASTINDO) and the Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). He stated that this collaboration would help achieve a target of 7.4 million foreign tourists from Malaysia to Indonesia. 

Additionally, the partnership will support Indonesia’s national movement programs, including Proud to Travel in Indonesia (BBWI) and Indonesia Spice Up The World (ISUTW). It is important that the collaboration is working with the penta-helix elements – government, community, business, media, and academia, to improve the tourism sector. 

More Flights to Bali

Singapore Airlines planned to increase its flight capacity for the Idul Fitri holiday in 2023. The move showed the airline adding extra flights between Changi International Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The airline is planning also to add a sixth daily flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. it is done to cater to Singaporeans visiting one of Indonesia’s popular tourist destinations. 

Designated 5 Locations As Super Priority Tourism Spots

Indonesia has identified five scenic locations as “super priority tourist destinations” to diversify its tourism industry away from Bali. 

The government plans to invest in infrastructure and promote these destinations to give tourists more options and boost tourism revenues. President Joko Widodo plans to use the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit as a promotional event for Labuan Bajo, one of the super-priority destinations. 

The five destinations include Labuan Bajo, Lake Toba, Yogyakarta, Mandalika, and Likupang, and the government has earmarked 18.9 trillion rupiahs ($1.26 billion) for infrastructure projects, promotional activities, and personnel training in these areas between 2020 and 2024. 

Bali has long been the country’s dominant source of tourism revenue, but Indonesia hopes to achieve more balanced development throughout the nation by developing these new destinations.

Read more: Exploring the Potential of Indonesia’s Tourism Industry

Indonesia’s Top 5 Emerging Tourism Destinations 

Indonesia’s tourism sector is synonymous with Bali. However, Indonesia aims to promote other tourist destinations with its natural attractions and cultural diversity aside from Bali. As mentioned above, there are five destinations in particular: 

1. Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo is more than just renowned for its tourism on Komodo Island, as there are other thrilling destinations to visit, such as Rinca Island, Padar Island, and Gili Lawa. A trip to Labuan Bajo is guaranteed to provide excitement. The island also has a stunning natural beauty that is a sight to see. 

2. Lake Toba 

Lake Toba, created by the most significant volcanic eruption 25 million years 70,000 years ago, is the largest caldera lake globally. TukTuk Village in Samosir Island mainly focuses on community-based tourism and provides access to the various natural wonders of Lake Toba, including the lake, waterfalls, and volcanoes. 

Additionally, Lake Toba is the birthplace of the Batak tribe, which is among the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia and boasts a vibrant and celebratory culture.

3. Borobudur Temple 

Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, captivates global visitors with its historical significance and exquisite beauty.

The temple is just an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta, making it easily accessible to visitors. In addition, to accommodate the expected rise in tourist arrivals in the coming years, the New Yogyakarta International Airport has been constructed closer to Magelang.

4. Mandalika

Mandalika is located near Bali and has become a popular alternative for those seeking a less crowded tropical paradise. The area has attracted surfers and is set to host the 2023 MotoGP.

5. Likupang

Likupang is a coastal town in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. 

The town’s tourism industry has been overgrowing in recent years thanks to its proximity to Bunaken National Marine Park and other nearby islands, which offer fantastic diving, snorkeling, and other water sports opportunities. Likupang is also famous for its white sandy beaches, attracting local and international tourists.

Conclusion

Having seen such growth and predicted to see even more change, Indonesia’s tourism is worth the visit. Moreover, due to the consistent attention it invites, it is also an excellent investment for those looking to invest in Indonesia. 

InCorp Indonesia (An Ascentium Company) provides services regarding Multiple Entry Business Visas and Investor KITAS to ensure that the investing process pans seamlessly. As a result, you can experience and reap the full benefits of Indonesia’s tourist destinations.