Boosted by Indonesia’s positive economic growth and an expected large number of international Conferences to be held in Indonesia in 2011, Tourism and Culture Minister Jero Wacik is confident that Indonesia’s tourism will grow by 10% to reach 7.7 million visitors this year.In 2010 Indonesia achieved a record 7 million international arrivals up 8.5% compared to 6,452,259 welcomed in 2009. This high target was reached despite set-backs in arrivals caused by the eruption of Mt. Merapi and Mt. Bromo on Java and the earthquake followed by tsunami that hit Mentawai in West Sumatra. While total earnings received from international tourists was US$ 7.6 billion based on calculations of an average spent of US$ 1,085.70 per visitor/stay with an average length of stay of 8.04 days.Tourists spent more per day and stayed longer in Indonesia in 2010. Tourists’ average spending was up 9% compared to 2009 which stood at US$ 995.93 per visitor/stay at an average length of stay of 7.69 days. As Indonesia now holds the chair in ASEAN, a large number of large international meetings and conferences will be held in Indonesia’s many cities with state-of- the-art convention facilities. The Minister expects MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) to grow by 40% this year.Domestic tourism has also experienced very positive growth, said Minister Jero Wacik, reaching 234 million departures in 2010, or up 3.05% compared to 2009 which recorded 229 million departures. Total domestic spending came to Rp. 139 trillion, boosting many regional and rural economies. This year the Minister expects domestic tourism to grow to 237 million departures. In the field of Culture, in 2010 Indonesia’s Angklung (bamboo musical instrument) was included in UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This follows UNESCO’s recognition of Indonesia’s Wayang, Keris and Batik as World Cultural Heritage.In this context Minister Jero Wacik urged the tourist industry, especially hotels to display these prominently as an essential part of their décor with explanation that these are UNESCO recognized World Heritage.Other cultural assets that have been registered with UNESCO awaiting approval during the UNESCO Congress that will be held in Bali in November 2011 are : the dynamic Saman Dance of Aceh in the Urgent Safeguarding List, and the Cultural Landscape of Bali, namely Pura Taman Ayun, the riverbed at Pakerisan, and the rice terraces of Jatiluwih. While Tana Toraja Traditional Settlements in South Sulawesi will be registered for UNESCO recognition in 2011.Meanwhile, starting this year, Indonesia’s Tourism will use the new slogan: WONDERUL INDONESIA as the new tagline attached to the logo of the stylized Bird of Paradise.
