Indonesia tourism looks 'Beyond Bali'

CHENNAI: ‘Beyond Bali’ will be the vision of Indonesia Tourism Ministry for the next few years. Speaking at the first-ever sales mission meet here on Wednesday, Noviendi Makalam, directo
Indonesia tourism looks 'Beyond Bali'
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CHENNAI: ‘Beyond Bali’ will be the vision of Indonesia Tourism Ministry for the next few years.

Speaking at the first-ever sales mission meet here on Wednesday, Noviendi Makalam, director of International Tourism Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, said, “Bali is still our cultural-tourism locomotive. But now we want the world to experience and explore Indonesia beyond Bali. ‘Beyond Bali’ is going to be our vision for the next few years.”

This is the first time the Indonesian tourism ministry has shifted its market focus to southern metros like Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Noviendi said, “Talking to the Indian buyers (tour operators and agents) in Chennai, I clearly understand one thing, people do not know of Indonesia beyond Bali. Now, we stay committed to educate the buyers, so that they take the message of ‘Beyond Bali’ to the Indian  tourist.”

Talking about destinations beyond Bali in the country of 13,000 islands, he pointed out,  “The pink beach in Nusa Tenggara is a must see, with its very unique pink sand.”

For wildlife lovers, there are 50 national parks rich in rare species like the orangutan, birds of paradise, Sumatran elephants, one-horned rhino, and kangaroos in islands like Papua, Sulawesi, Kalimantan Sumatra and Java. Apart from these, water surfing, rafting, diving corals and cruises are also available.

Indonesia still remains an upmarket destination for most Indians, apparently due to the lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries.

Noviendi said, “Air India stopped flying to Indonesia six-years ago. Since then, the Indian tourist had to fly to Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand and take a connecting flight to Indonesia.”

He also added that they are exploring options with private airlines in India to establish a link between the two countries.

Noviendi was upbeat stating, “Garuda Indonesia will be opening its account with India by January 2012.” He is hopeful once it happens the mid-segment Indian market will start to explore Indonesia.

Last year, 1,45,000 Indian tourists visited Indonesia, which is an 120 per cent increase in the last four years. “We see an improvement in the numbers. Indonesia is open to all types of tourists, though it is famous as a Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination and for families,” added Noviendi.

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