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A Chinese tourist takes a photograph with a mobile device at a beach in Tanjung Benoa, Bali, Indonesia, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013. Asia-Pacific leaders will seek momentum on talks for a sweeping 12-nation trade pact when they meet in Bali in coming days, trying to overcome concessions sought by countries that threaten to further delay completion. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg[/caption]
The Islands of Indonesia may become more attractive to the Chinese people in the coming months. Recent reports say that Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry will be cooperating with Chinese provincial tourism administrators to possibly increase the number of tourists coming from China. Their target for 2017 is 2.1 million, which is a 50% increase from that of the 1.4 million recorded last year.
Vinsensius Jemadu, the ministry’s director for Asia-Pacific tourism promotion, claims that they are hoping to attract about 10 million visitors from China by year 2019. He also mentions that they are eyeing China as their main market, which could potentially bring positive outcomes for the tourism sector. Most of the budget on promotion will be allotted for this country. Jemadu mentions in a meeting with Hubei tourism administration in Jakarta that they are planning to use 50% of the budget for the Chinese market alone. He also claims that they are also cooperating with the Hainan tourism administration aside from the Hubei tourism administration at the moment.
Starting next month, Capital Airlines and Hainan Airlines are already set to fly to Jakarta, three times a week. Citilink, a subsidiary of the Garuda Indonesia, might be flying to seventeen cities in China – the flights are said to come from Manado in North Sulawesi and Tanjung Pinang in Riau Islands. This information was stipulated in the memorandum of understanding which was signed by the tourism minister of Indonesia in Beijing in 2016.
The ministry is said to be giving away incentives to airlines and wholesalers; these will be entitled to 15 USD or 20 USD per passenger for the tourists who will be visiting Indonesian destinations which are located outside of Jakarta and Bali. The Transportation Ministry will also providing free parking and landing for aircrafts specifically for Chinese airlines.
When is the best time to visit the Islands of Indonesia? Peak season is from May to September during the dry season. Book early on accommodation at HomeAway.com and save on costs.
