The tourism industry is facing a decline in the number of tourists during the fasting period.

“Local tourists choose to stay at home to preserve their energy, as do tourists from Singapore and Malaysia. The number of tourists from the Middle East is also decreasing,” said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

But the polar opposite happens during the Lebaran holiday, when millions of local tourists travel. “This is the second peak season for tourism. The first one is the end-of-the-year holiday,” Yahya said.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, the Tourism Ministry shifts its focus, promoting destinations and activities that are popular among overseas tourists such as Bali and cross-border tourism in eastern regions, such as Atambua, which separates Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Merauke and Papua.

Read also: Ramadhan Jazz Festival to return to Menteng mosque

“For local tourists, we also have religious tourism such as the Ziarah Wali Songo [pilgrimage] in the northern coastal area from Cirebon, Demak, Kudus and Tuban to Surabaya. There are many places in East Java that have become tourist destinations for religious tourism,” said Yahya.

In trying to make the best of the low holiday season, the ministry has encouraged a sharing economy concept, which tourist village homestays have adapted by renting unused rooms to travelers at an affordable price.

The ministry also created a digital marketplace called Indonesia Tourism Xchange (ITX) that provides a platform for buyers and sellers to conduct exchanges.

Both the homestays and ITX are suitable for millennials who are tech-savvy and eager to experience new cultures. (asw)

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