Minister Highlights Importance of Nusantara Tourists for Economy

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, emphasized the vital role of domestic tourists in supporting the country’s tourism sector. She noted that local travelers’ preferences vary, benefitting many destinations across Indonesia. The Minister believes that this will bolster the economy overall. During a press conference in Jakarta, she shared insights from her recent visit to Bali, where she assessed service quality at the airport and infrastructure improvements. Throughout her visit, the Minister stressed the importance of tourism diversity, explaining that domestic travelers can sustain not only internal demand but also support the international profile of popular destinations such as Bali. By the end of 2025, international tourist arrivals in Bali are expected to rise by about 11%, although domestic travel numbers are set to decline. Nevertheless, Widiyanti remains optimistic that the dynamics of domestic tourism will lead to future improvements.