Indonesia seeks Chinese tourists beyond Bali, considers visa waiver

Indonesia’s Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, aims to diversify Chinese tourism beyond Bali.

“Bali remains top of mind for Chinese tourists,” Sandiaga noted at the World Economic Forum in Dalian, China. However, he highlighted a growing interest among younger Chinese travelers in exploring destinations offering serenity, spirituality, and sustainability.

To attract 1.3 million Chinese visitors this year, the government is enhancing “Bali experiences” on numerous islands. Labuan Bajo, near Komodo Island, and the Borobudur temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the destinations receiving attention to match Bali’s tourism standards.

Despite projections of increased Chinese tourist spending surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Indonesia faces stiff competition from neighbors like Thailand and Singapore, which offer visa waivers.

Sandiaga plans to expand visa-free entry to 20 additional nationalities, including China, the US, and India, before the upcoming change in government in October. He anticipates higher tourist expenditures, aiming for longer stays and increased local economic contributions.

Original Story by: SouthChinaMorningPost