Wahyu Dwi Anggoro
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)
