Indonesia is losing out as many international tourists choose to go to other Southeast Asian countries, partly because of visa requirements, according to Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia have been proactive and flexible in exempting visitors from visas. India is a case in point, and has exempted Indonesian tourists from visas. Meanwhile, Indonesia has not been able to exempt foreign tourists from visas, despite supporting a policy of visa reciprocity.
Minister Sandiaga Uno also said that Indonesia is losing foreign tourists to neighboring countries due to connectivity, including limited flights and travel between the country's vast islands and different regions.
However, the minister said Indonesia attracted 11.7 million foreign tourists last year, and expressed optimism that the number would increase to 14.3 million this year or even 17 million in a more positive scenario.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), visitors to Indonesia in December were mainly from Australia, China, East Timor, Malaysia and Singapore. The Indonesian government is considering holding more concerts and sporting events to attract local and international tourists.
Minister Sandiaga Uno said that Singapore and Australia are attracting tourists by hosting concerts by global music stars like Taylor Swift. According to some news agencies, Taylor Swift's stop in Singapore has caused a 30% increase in demand for accommodation, with all six concerts in the island nation selling out. According to a report by Channel News Asia, the singer's performance in Melbourne could generate an economic value equivalent to or greater than the estimated $787 million for the Australian economy.
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