JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry is implementing strategic initiatives to attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia, identifying the Gulf nation as a key market with significant potential for the country’s tourism industry.

Leveraging Hajj Seasons for Tourism Promotion

During a statement in Jakarta on Friday, November 21, Deputy Marketing Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini revealed plans to showcase Indonesia’s tourism offerings during the annual Hajj pilgrimage periods. The strategy focuses on promoting the archipelago’s diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage beyond the well-known destinations of Jakarta and Bali.

High-Value Market with Strong Spending Power

Marthini emphasized that Saudi Arabian travelers represent a lucrative demographic, characterized by substantial purchasing power and preference for premium accommodations and services. This presents significant opportunities for enhancing Indonesia’s tourism revenue.

“We have world-class seven-star properties such as St. Regis and Jumeirah in Bali that perfectly cater to these discerning tourists who appreciate luxury experiences,” she explained.

The ministry also identified cooler highland destinations like Puncak in Bogor, West Java, as attractive options for Saudi visitors seeking climates that contrast with their homeland’s hot desert environment.

Understanding Saudi Tourist Preferences

Rusmiati, Chair of the Association of Indonesian Tourist Travel Agencies (ASITA), highlighted that Saudi visitors typically extend their stays and prefer nature-based destinations suitable for family travel. They also demonstrate keen interest in distinctive culinary experiences, particularly those offering health-conscious options.

Recovery Efforts Post-Pandemic

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country welcomed 135,643 Saudi tourists in 2024, showing recovery toward pre-pandemic levels when 157,512 Saudi visitors arrived in 2019.

To accelerate this recovery, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana held discussions with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqeel Al Khateeb in Riyadh on November 8, exploring bilateral cooperation on tourist exchanges.

“Given that Indonesian pilgrims represent one of the largest groups participating in religious tourism to Saudi Arabia, we anticipate reciprocal interest from Saudi tourists, particularly during their extended holiday periods,” Minister Widiyanti stated.

Minister Al Khateeb expressed enthusiasm for strengthened partnership and confirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to implementing existing memorandums of understanding, which encompass tourist exchanges, workforce development, and tourism investment initiatives.

Original Article:

Antara News. (2025, November 23). Indonesia eyes more Saudi Arabian tourists during Hajj seasons. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/en.antaranews.com/amp/news/393085/indonesia-eyes-more-saudi-arabian-tourists-during-hajj-seasons