ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is intensifying its global tourism strategy by positioning Jakarta as a world-class destination and strengthening its presence in China’s high-value travel market through a strategic Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) involving leading Chinese travel operators and MICE companies.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia in collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, and ASTINDO, the program showcased Jakarta’s diverse tourism assets, from modern city experiences and cultural heritage to gastronomy, wellness, and marine tourism.
Deputy Minister for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism Ni Made Ayu Marthini said the initiative aims to introduce Jakarta as an integrated urban destination with international appeal.
“Jakarta is not only a business center, but also a gateway to Indonesia’s cultural richness, culinary diversity, and marine destinations. The combination of a modern metropolitan experience and the beauty of the Thousand Islands is an attraction that should continue to be promoted to Chinese travelers,” Made said.
The Famtrip, held from 27 June to 1 July 2026, brought together representatives from China’s premium travel and MICE sectors, including UMICE Beijing, HIMICE Events Shenzhen, China Comfort Travel MICE, HCG Travel Group, and Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou.
During the program, the delegation experienced Jakarta’s premium tourism offerings through city tours, cultural visits, culinary experiences, wellness activities, and marine tourism exploration in the Thousand Islands, including Pulau Putri, Pulau Macan, and Pulau Sepa.
The participants also explored Jakarta’s emerging lifestyle destinations, including Pantai Indah Kapuk, while visiting the Textile Museum to experience Indonesia’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
China Becomes Key Market for Indonesia’s Tourism Growth
China remains one of Indonesia’s most strategic international tourism markets. From January to May 2026, Indonesia recorded 617,186 arrivals from Chinese tourists, reflecting strong growth potential from the market.
The Ministry of Tourism highlighted that stronger air connectivity will play an important role in increasing Chinese tourist arrivals. Based on Amadeus data as of July 2026, direct flights from several cities in China to Jakarta, Bali, Manado, and Surabaya provided a total capacity of 1.76 million seats, operated by 12 airlines.
Jakarta’s role as Indonesia’s main international gateway, supported by its business ecosystem and diverse tourism attractions, has strengthened its position as a pilot project for a Regenerative Priority Destination under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Tourism Diplomacy Opens New Business Opportunities
The Famtrip was supported by China Southern Airlines, which facilitated transportation for Chinese participants while strengthening aviation connectivity and tourism cooperation between Indonesia and China.
The program concluded with a Networking Dinner that connected Chinese tourism buyers with Indonesian industry players, including Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, ASTINDO, White Horse Group, Elok Tour, Clio Tour & Events, and Infotour.
The business engagement generated potential partnerships and increased interest in Indonesia’s premium tourism products, particularly beach and marine experiences.
Overall, the Jakarta Famtrip is projected to generate potential visits from 400 Chinese tourists, with estimated foreign exchange earnings of US$485,200, equivalent to approximately IDR8.71 billion.
The initiative reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening tourism diplomacy, attracting high-value international visitors, promoting sustainable tourism growth, and enhancing Jakarta’s position as a global gateway to Indonesia’s cultural, urban, and maritime destinations. (AT Network)
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