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Rising domestic tourism driving economic growth: Minister
Increased number of domestic tourists in the first half of 2014 has driven the Indonesian tourist sectorâs growth closer to its end of year target, a minister has said
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I
ncreased number of domestic tourists in the first half of 2014 has driven the Indonesian tourist sector's growth closer to its end of year target, a minister has said.
'Up to the first half of 2014, the number of domestic tourist travels has reached 107 million, with total spending of Rp 76.16 trillion [US$6.47 billion],' Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Pangestu said as quoted by Antara news agency in Jakarta on Monday.
With such an achievement, she said she was optimistic that the target of 255 million domestic tourists by the end of this year would be achieved.
Various art and cultural performances in provinces across the country have become central national and international tourist attractions, included in tourism packages and promoted via various media.
'To increase the number of domestic tourists, we also have to carry out direct promotion activities in the main markets by, among others, creating partnerships with airline companies,' said Mari.
She said her ministry had recorded that the tourism and creative economy sector had become one of national economic growth sources.
As of the middle of 2014, Indonesia's tourism gross domestic product has grown by 6.68 percent, higher than national gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which stands at 5.17 percent.
Overall, tourism's contribution to GDP reached Rp 136.76 trillion in the first half of this year.
'Most of the contributions are from the restaurant sector, which reaches Rp 104.06 trillion, followed by hotels [Rp 19.51 trillion] and recreation [Rp 13.18 trillion],' said Mari.
Meanwhile, the creative economy is expected to grow by 5.12 percent, almost equal to national economic growth. Until the first half of 2014, added value created by the creative economy is estimated to reach Rp 111.2 trillion with the biggest contributing subsectors including fashion, culinary, handicraft, publishing and printing.
'These four sub-sectors are closely related to tourism. This is good growth that will support growth in the creative economy sector and vice versa,' said Mari. (dyl/ebf)
