ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have officially strengthened their tourism cooperation, covering three strategic sectors: human resource development, tourist exchange enhancement, and tourism investment. This agreement marks a significant step forward in deepening the two nations’ partnership in sustainable tourism and the creative economy.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana began her official visit to Riyadh by holding a bilateral meeting with the Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb, on the sidelines of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly (UNTGA) on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
During the meeting, Minister Widiyanti expressed her appreciation for the growing bilateral ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
She emphasized that the relationship, built on trust and shared brotherhood, provides a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in the tourism sector.
“We discussed the potential for greater tourist exchange between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia is among the countries with the largest number of pilgrimage and umrah travelers to the Kingdom. We also hope to see more Saudi tourists visiting Indonesia—a tropical destination rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, especially during the holiday season,” said Minister Widiyanti.
The meeting also served as a key momentum to follow up on the previously established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between the two countries.
The MoU highlights a joint commitment to broaden collaboration in three priority areas:
1. Tourism Human Resource Development, including training programs and expert exchanges.
2. Tourist Exchange Promotion, through joint marketing and improved travel accessibility.
3. Tourism Investment, focusing on developing destinations and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Minister Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb welcomed Indonesia’s initiative and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to support the concrete implementation of the partnership.
The UNTGA is a biennial forum organized by UN Tourism, a United Nations agency comprising 160 member states, which plays a central role in shaping global tourism policies. This year’s assembly takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 8–11, 2025.
Prior to her visit to Riyadh, Minister Widiyanti also traveled to London, United Kingdom, from November 3–7, 2025, to attend the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. At the event, the Ministry of Tourism launched the global campaign “Wonderful Indonesia: Go Beyond Ordinary”, featuring 17 iconic London black cabs wrapped in Indonesian tourism designs, which will operate across the city for eight weeks. (AT Network)
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