Indonesia steps up promotions after reduced July arrivals

05 Sep 2012  2037 | World Travel News

INDONESIA'S Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will push for more promotions to make up for the decline in July arrivals, especially from neighbouring countries.

Data from the Central Board of Statistics showed that while January-July arrivals were up by 4.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, July arrivals were down by 5.9 per cent.

Singapore arrivals declined by 17.7 per cent, Malaysia, 14.1 per cent, Australia, 6.9 per cent and Taiwan, 20.2 per cent, while arrivals from Saudi Arabia in July slumped 63 per cent.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, attributed the slowdown to the Ramadan fasting season, which saw more staying put at home.

Furthermore, nightlife venues were shut and F&B operations limited during the Muslim month of fasting.

"I’m sure the figure will increase again in the following months," Pangestu said at a media conference on Monday.

Deputy minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar, said: "Even a small percentage of decline (in visitors) from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Australia leaves a significant impact on total arrivals as their volumes are big.

"Therefore, we will do more sales missions and create promotional programmes to boost traffic in the coming months."

The ministry will invite top tour operators from major markets to meet with Indonesian operators and create short-term promotional packages for the period of October-December.

Special events will also be organised in cross-border areas like Batam, Bintan and Pontianak to draw traffic.

Sourced: TTG Asia

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