As 2023 ends, a glance at the foreign tourist visits revealed hope and robust prospects for Indonesian tourism in the dragon’s embrace of 2024. Surpassing the 8.5 million target, the nation welcomed 9.49 million foreign tourists, an encouraging feat amid the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of the pandemic reverberated across the tourism sector, inflicting a substantial economic contraction and prompting a ripple effect of job losses, career transitions, and the unfortunate closure of numerous businesses reliant on this service-driven economy.
Yet, in response, the Indonesian government rolled out a suite of national economic strengthening and recovery initiatives, recognizing the pivotal role of tourism as a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings and regional revenue.
Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher at the UGM Center for Tourism Studies and an advocate for community tourism at the Desa Wisata Institute, discerns valuable lessons hidden in the folds of these events.
The COVID-19 pandemic, in his perspective, is not just a crisis but a catalyst for new opportunities arising from the transformative changes it has instigated.
Post-pandemic, changing tourist preferences necessitate the emergence of opportunities and innovations. Whether willingly or out of sheer necessity, stakeholders must embrace innovative breakthroughs to navigate the evolving landscape successfully.
“For instance, the accommodation sector must transcend its conventional role, offering not only rooms but transforming into a staycation or a work-from-anywhere tourism model, allowing guests to work remotely from a hotel. Digital technology is becoming indispensable,” he remarked on Monday (Jan. 15).
Entering the auspicious Year of the Dragon in 2024, Dr. Raharjana envisions a reinvigorated and resilient tourism sector. The readiness and backing of Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem are anticipated to materialize more tangibly in the coming months.
Thus, the call for a collaborative spirit among stakeholders echoes louder, emphasizing the urgency to construct a sustainable tourism framework.
The tourism sector in 2024 promises renewed optimism, presenting many opportunities during the Year of the Dragon. It is expected to drive the recovery and add significant value to other sectors within the destination.
“The diverse tapestry of natural beauty and cultural attractions strewn across the archipelago is poised to manifest more characteristically. Therefore, the development approach for the tourism sector needs to prioritize inclusion, sustainability, and quality—a paradigm of quality tourism,” Dr. Raharjana elaborated.
He underscores that pursuing quality tourism embodies continuously adapting to evolving tourism trends. All parties involved must be attuned to enhancing sustainability preferences, steering away from crowds, and placing greater emphasis on local culture and community interaction.
Quality tourism entails the augmentation of tourism’s value, the overall tourist experience, and proactive measures to improve environmental support. The pivotal question lingers—how prepared are all stakeholders to turn this vision into reality? Experts agree that tourists in 2024 will gravitate towards environmentally friendly forms of tourism.
“Amid the ongoing climate change, it is imperative for tourism managers to showcase robust environmental management practices in destinations. This includes tourism villages, envisioned as catalysts for economic growth and cultural appreciation,” he explained.
Cultural experiences in visited locations remain an enduring attraction for tourists, especially in Indonesia, which boasts a myriad of cultures ripe for packaging to reinforce cultural character and identity, essential elements for revitalizing the tourism sector.
“The trend of staying fit during travel is gaining momentum. Indonesia stands as a warehouse for wellness tourism,” he highlighted.
Local resources, such as spices, can be harnessed to complement cultural tourism activities. With jamu recognized by UNESCO as a non-material cultural heritage drink, symbolizing the herbal essence of the nation, Indonesia is poised to celebrate its rich cultural tapestry.
He envisions that the multitude of supporting facilities, including hotels and restaurants across key destinations, could package trends leading to a blend of business and leisure activities, aptly termed bleisure. These continually evolving facilities are bound to fortify Indonesia’s tourism economy.
“Equally important is digitization, particularly targeting Generation Z tourists who highly trust social media. Ultimately, the readiness of the supporting ecosystem within the tourism sector is crucial in meeting the opportunities and demands of tourist preferences, enhancing our competitiveness,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Antara