(12/9/2011)
The Ministry for Tourism and the Creative Economy is optimistic that in the face of global economic uncertainty, Indonesia will achieve 8 million foreign visitors using a promotional budget of Rp. 1.99 trillion (US$211 million).
Bisnis.com reports that Minister for Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, said next year’s target represents an increase of 3.89% over 2011 targets. “We are still optimistic the tourism target can be achieved despite the world economic crisis affecting a number of large nations,” said Pangestu, while attending meetings in Nusa Dua.
To hit its targeted visitor numbers, the government has budgeted Rp.1.9 trillion (US$211 million) to kick-start the tourism and creative economies. Pangestu feels strongly that the creative sector is posed for high growth through at least the year 2025.
“This budget is focused on all regions of Indonesia,” said Pangestu. In uncertain economic time, the Ministry and its offices across Indonesia, particularly those elements in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, act as main corridors of tourism that will pursue arrivals from China, India, Russia and Australia.
“Maybe these countries will not be overly affected by the crisis,” she added.
At this time the government is also pursuing the creation of an ASEAN-wide visa system that many predict will help arrival numbers grow across all ASEAN destination participating in the program.
Bali will end 2011 with more than 2.7 million foreign visitors as part of the 7.7 million foreign tourists expected nation-wide.
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