The government is set to launch more tourism-related programmes, namely Quality Tourism Grant Funds and Proud to Vacation in Indonesia (BBWI).
It was reported that the Indonesian government is currently in the process of drafting regulations concerning Quality Tourism Grant Funds in collaboration with various ministries and institutions. Odo R.M. Manuhutu, currently the deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasised that a quality tourism ecosystem relies on four key pillars: competitive foundational infrastructure, sustainable management practices, distinctive destinations, and premium tourism services.
One concrete step to realising a quality tourism ecosystem is environmental conservation, the manifestations of which may include more rehabilitation’s of mangrove forests which have a large capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Quality Tourism Grant Funds may be able to support this agenda.
Manuhutu also noted that discussions on advancing the quality tourism ecosystem through collaborative engagement from relevant stakeholders are still in the initial research phase as these discussions would also encompass multiple sectors. All the relevant stakeholders are also currently exploring strategies to facilitate the growth of tourist movements, the end goal being to aim for higher revenue targets.
“Various policies related to quality tourism are aimed to provide significant benefits, with the impact of which will be felt by the community,” Manuhutu told the press as well.
Manuhutu also made his remark concerning another initiative by the government billed as the Proud to Vacation in Indonesia (Bangga Berkunjung Wisata di Indonesia or BBWI) programme. Through this initiative, the government especially wishes to get more Indonesians to travel within the country. For the year 2024, the government aims to have approximately 1.5 billion Indonesians travelling for vacation within the country, with the resulting revenue targeted at approximately Rp3,000 trillion (or about US$1.84 billion) from the domestic tourism sector.
“This target was set to support BBWI which has already been supported by several policies, including toll discounts, tourist travel packages using trains, and the implementation of national events with an integrated licensing system through Online Single Submission,” Manuhutu concluded.