Glamping, caravans set to lure Trans Java travelers

The Tourism Ministry is set to develop a nomadic tourism concept along the Trans Java toll road in a bid to promote potential tourist destinations around the area.

"I want to apply nomadic tourism [on the Trans Java toll road], where we introduce destinations [available near] each toll gate," Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said in Jakarta on Monday as quoted by tempo.co.

The concept of nomadic tourism has been one of the ministry's efforts to more rapidly develop destinations across the country. It involves activities or businesses related to the nomadic lifestyle and culture, such as glamping and using home pods and caravans as accommodation facilities. Arief says a homestay made from a shipping container, for instance, could be developed for under Rp 100 million (US$6,832).

"I think [such a homestay] will be interesting since it's portable and can be moved using a truck. We'll also have portable home pods priced below Rp 200 million from Arumdalu [resort]. [All this] will help boost nomadic tourism along Trans Java," Arief said.

Read also: Trans-Java toll road to connect Merak in Banten to Surabaya

The minister added that he had discussed the matter with several businesspeople and investors, as well as coordinated with the Public Works and Housing Minister and Transportation Minister, and even officially inaugurated several Trans Java toll roads.

"I remember well the President’s [Joko "Jokowi" Widodo] message to add more rest areas along the Trans Java toll road and showcase local products and services to boost tourism in the area," he said. (kes)