Indonesia is a top tourist destination that boasts stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine. With over 17,000 islands and diverse landscapes, Indonesia has been attracting an increasing number of tourists each year.
But have you ever wondered how much revenue the country earns from tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Indonesia’s Tourism Industry
Indonesia’s tourism industry has been growing steadily over the years. In 2019, the country hosted over 16 million international visitors, which generated around $18 billion in revenue. The government has set an ambitious Target to attract 20 million visitors by 2020, with a goal of generating $30 billion in revenues.
Top Tourist Destinations in Indonesia
There are several popular destinations that attract tourists from all over the world. Bali remains the most popular destination, followed by Jakarta, Lombok, Bintan Island, and Yogyakarta. Bali alone received over 6 million visitors in 2019.
How Much Does Indonesia Make From Tourism?
Tourism is one of the significant contributors to Indonesia’s economy. In 2019, tourism accounted for around 5% of the country’s GDP and provided employment opportunities to millions of people.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia earned around $19 billion from tourism in 2019. This figure includes both direct earnings such as accommodation fees and indirect earnings such as transportation costs and restaurant expenses.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Indonesian Tourism
Like many other countries worldwide, Indonesian tourism has taken a severe hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the government temporarily suspended visa-free entry for all foreign nationals to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As a result of this measure and travel restrictions imposed by other countries globally, the number of international visitors to Indonesia fell by 86.9% in April 2020 compared to the same period last year. This decline has had a significant impact on the country’s economy, including its tourism industry.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s tourism industry has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities to millions of people. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the industry, leading to a sharp decline in both foreign and domestic visitors.
As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, it is crucial for Indonesia’s government and tourism industry stakeholders to work together to revive the sector while ensuring that measures are put in place to safeguard public health.