Indonesia to Promote Bali Tourism for Indian Market
India is one of the most prospective tourism markets for Bali as it was recorded as the second largest country of origin for foreign tourists to Bali in 2022.
IDXChannel - India is one of the most prospective tourism markets for Bali as it was recorded as the second largest country of origin for foreign tourists to Bali in 2022.
As Indonesia's main tourism destination, Bali experienced the worst economic contraction during the pandemic among other provinces. As the Covid-19 pandemic status is revoked, Bali tourism is expected to revive through an increase in foreign tourist visits.
For the above-mentioned reasons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the Strategy Formulation and Joint Promotion of Bali Tourism for the Indian Market event last week in Kuta, Bali.
Several invitees were the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in New Delhi, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai, the Ministry of Transportation, the National Development Planning Agency, the local government Tourism Offices, as well as various associations and tourism industry actors in Bali.
"The event aimed to formulate a joint promotion strategy for Bali tourism through the implementation of economic diplomacy in India," the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated in a press release on Monday (6/6/2023).
The Director for South and Central Asian Affairs, Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo, said one of the driving factors for the increasing visits was the socio-cultural and religious similarities between Bali and India. The tendency for foreign tourists from India to spend a lot on consumption while traveling as well as their lengthy stay further affirms that the Indian market is potential for Bali tourism.
On this occasion, participants discussed various issues related to the Indian market, including connectivity. Participants agreed that direct flights between India and Bali would significantly increase the number of Indian tourists to Bali. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to encourage coordination among related parties in realizing direct connectivity between Bali and India.
This event also identified various segments of the Indian market. The Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in New Delhi, Masni Eriza, advised a different promotion strategy is needed for each market segment, especially for the luxury and Gen Z segments. A representative of Bali Provincial Tourism Office welcomed this suggestion and further elaborated a luxury tailored-package in a form of traditional Balinese royal reception in Puri Agung palace.
Another issue discussed at the meeting was related to immigration, ranging from the necessity of visa on arrival arrangement, inquiries of flexible customs arrangement for those planning to bring along jewelries, to short-term working permit allowance for those planning to invite wedding priest directly from India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also expected to encourage debottlenecking efforts on related regulations.
The Secretary of the Directorate-General for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs, Trisari Dyah Paramita, conveyed the need for joint promotions to take place. This can be done, for example, through collaborative marketing events and sales missions between the Indonesian Representatives in India and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The Deputy for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, through a recorded video message said that there is a need for digital marketing and further highlighting the government's tourism village program as well as tourism diversification initiative through Bali and beyond paradigm. Made conveyed her invitation to all Indonesian missions abroad to synergize and collaborate flagship promotion events with the ministry. (WHY)