These events, ranging from sports competitions, musical performances and cultural carnivals, have been included on the province’s calendar of events, which was unveiled during a meeting at the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry building on Dec. 5.

"We predict that next year, Riau Islands will receive about 2.8 million foreign tourists. With this calendar of events, we want tourists to be more informed about all of our tourist hot spots and hopefully more foreign tourists will visit Riau Islands," Riau Islands Tourism Agency head Buralimar said in remarks during the announcement of the calendar of events.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data, the Riau Islands received 2.63 million foreign tourists in 2018, a 23.16 percent increase from 2.13 million in 2017. As of October this year, the number of foreign tourists visiting the island had reached 2.34 million.

Batam and Bintan islands, which are about 45 minutes by a ferry from Singapore, have become popular destinations for Singaporeans and Malaysians to spend their weekends. In 2018, Singaporeans topped the list with 1.12 million people, which amounted to 48.44 percent of all foreign tourist arrivals in 2018. Malaysians came in second with 273,370 people, Chinese visitors in third place with 236,870 people, Indian visitors in the fourth position with 97,300 people and South Koreans in fifth with 67,070 people.

Buralimar said Singaporeans remained at the top of the list this year, accounting for 55 percent of all foreign tourists visiting the province. Chinese visitors came in second, Malaysians third and South Koreans fourth.

"We also see potential from Indian tourists. Over the years, many of them have become wealthy enough to travel to places as far as Indonesia and they can also afford to bring their families and staying for a good chunk of time. In Batam there are at least 10 Indian restaurants, indicating that local businesses are also adjusting to foreign tourist preferences," said Buralimar.

Meanwhile, the deputy of marketing development at the ministry, Rizki Handayani Mustafa, also said he was optimistic the target to receive 2.8 million foreign tourists could be achieved by the end of this year.

"We know that as of October, the figure only reached 2.34 million arrivals. However, we do believe the target can be achieved, as in November to December, which is considered the peak tourist arrival period of the year, there will be a sharp increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Riau islands," said Rizki on Thursday.

She also recommended opening night markets in popular tourist destinations, such as on Batam, Bintan and Penyengat islands.

"I've seen night markets in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam that are bustling with locals and foreigners. With the opening of night markets, people might extend their stays."

Rizki also mentioned that all the selected events in Riau Islands next year had undergone a series of evaluations, such as choreography (for dance festivals), musical arrangements and costume appropriateness.

Each proposed event must be evaluated according to the 3C criteria, which are cultural value, commercial value and CEO commitment. The event must be fresh, trendy, bring commercial value to the province's economy and improve community welfare.

Riau Islands acting governor Isdianto also mentioned that the length of stay for foreigners in Riau Islands averaged only two days.

"For many tourists, especially Singaporeans and Malaysians, Riau islands are still considered weekend getaway spots, where they arrive on Friday night or Saturday morning and leave on Sunday night since they have to work on Monday. With the events planned for next year, we hope to entice more families to take long vacations in our province," said Isdianto on Thursday. (bry)

Popular

Java airports grounded by low demand, poor planning

Malaysia says China ready to sign SEA nuclear weapons-free treaty

BGN wants extra Rp 118t to fund free meals program in 2026