ASEAN TOURISM FORUM (ATF) 2019: DESTINATION ASEAN – INDONESIA & LAO

 

INDONESIA “10 NEW BALI’S”
Among the top 20 fastest growing travel destination in the world, tourism is Indonesia’s nucleus in the economy besides agriculture and fishery. With 14.04 million tourist arrival in 2017, Indonesia recorded a robust 22% growth – 2nd highest tourism growth rate in the world. The country has set a target of 20 million foreign visitors’ arrival in 2019. Tourists from China and India recorded highest visitors’ arrival while lesser arrivals from the America and Europe with an average length of stay from 14 to 21 days in the world’s largest archipelago comprising of 17000 islands. While Nihivatu (recently named the best beach resort in the world) and Komodo Island “are two destinations that (mostly) interest international travelers”, Bali remains center of attraction with its art, culture and wellness tourism.

With the ongoing trend in immersive and experiential travel, Indonesia tourism has adopted its plan into action to develop digital tourism, millennial tourism and nomadic tourism. And in a move to launch lesser known tourism destinations, Indonesia announced the “10 New Balis” campaign to develop and promote places through a series of programs including digital tourism, millennial tourism, and nomadic tourism. With a current growth of 11.8% in tourist arrival, a new Low Cost (airline) Terminal in the pipeline. About 30 exhibitors participated this years’ ATF including Samaya Bali, Anvaya Bali, Santika Rersort, Bali Mandira Resort, Gita Bali Transport (Boat Services). www.indonesia-tourism.com

LAO PDR
Last year marked the “Visit Lao Year 2018”, to promote both primary and secondary cities,e.g. LuangPrabang, VangVieng, Vientiane, Champasak, Xiengkhouang, Luang Namtha, Khammouane, etc. Though underperformance in the set target for visitors arrival in 2018, which fell to 3.9 million – a decline of 8.7%; Laos is optimistic to see a growth in 2019 and the Government would continue the effort by highlighting its cultural festivals, such as Boun Kinchieng (Hmong new year), Elephant Festival, Lao New Year (Water Festival), Rocket Festival and Boun PhaThat Luang Festival. Most travelers pour in from neighboring Thailand and Laos recorded 2nd highest arrival from China. www.tourismlaos.org

Advertisement