Indonesia to extend visa-free travel policy to 20 countries
22-07-24
Indonesia is expanding its visa-free travel policy to include 20 countries, aiming to boost tourism. This initiative, set to begin in October, is designed to attract more international visitors, particularly from major tourism markets like Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The plan is part of a broader effort to revitalize Indonesia’s tourism sector, which saw 11.7 million visitors last year, trailing behind other Southeast Asian destinations. The government hopes to reach 17 million foreign arrivals by the end of this year.
Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, has long been a popular destination for international tourists. However, in recent years, the country has faced stiff competition from neighboring Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, which have also been aggressively promoting their tourism sectors. The Indonesian government’s decision to extend visa-free travel to 20 additional countries is a strategic move to regain its competitive edge and boost tourist numbers significantly.
The inclusion of key markets such as Australia, China, and the US is particularly significant. Australia has always been a crucial market for Indonesian tourism, with Bali being a favorite destination for Australian tourists. China, with its rapidly growing middle class, represents a vast potential market. The US and European countries like Germany, France, and the UK are also important due to the high spending power of tourists from these regions.