Indonesia is attracting Chinese travelers: what tours are popular

Indonesian authorities have announced ambitious plans for tourism development in the near future. In particular, they aim to attract 1.5 million Chinese tourists, which is twice the figure recorded last year. This goal is to be achieved through a series of promotional activities, as reported by TheJakartaPost.

According to representatives of the country's tourism sector, international flights to Indonesia play a key role in increasing the number of foreign tourists, with particular attention given to airlines from mainland China and the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Among the 12 Chinese airlines that have resumed direct flights to Indonesia are China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and Air Macau. These direct routes are expected to bring in more than 1 million visitors from the world's second-largest economy to several Indonesian cities and regions with direct flights, including Jakarta, Bali, and North Sulawesi's capital Manado.

To attract Chinese tourists to Indonesian destinations, local authorities are prioritizing the "crown jewels" of the tourism industry, including Labuan Bajo in the eastern part of Lesser Sunda Islands, Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, Lake Toba in northern Sumatra, Mandalika in the western part of Lesser Sunda Islands, and Likupang in North Sulawesi.

In addition to promoting the country's top tourist destinations, the government also plans to set up advertising booths at the 12th Macau International Tourism Expo to promote Indonesian tourism to potential travel agents.

Furthermore, offers are being expanded to increase the flow of tourists from China. Family vacation packages and honeymoon packages are among the popular options among international travelers to Indonesia.

According to the Indonesian Statistical Bureau (BPS), in 2023, the number of Chinese tourists gradually recovered after the complete lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions. China continues to be one of the largest sources of foreign tourists to Indonesia, with most Chinese tourists preferring to visit Jakarta and Bali, often staying for longer periods than visitors from other countries.

It is worth reminding that many wealthy tourists like to vacation at Indonesian resorts. Read the TravelWise article on what not to do in this exotic country.