Delegates from 10 countries participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The four-day ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 concluded on Sunday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The main theme of the past meeting was "ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations", as reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

Delegates from ten ASEAN member countries, ASEAN+3, including China, as well as India and Russia, participated in the forum.

The tourism industry in Southeast Asia is expecting a major boost in the coming months due to the increasing number of travelers from other regions such as China. Indonesia, in particular, is looking forward to the increase in tourists from this region, as it offers a wide variety of attractions and activities that cater to all sorts of travelers.

"We expect an increase in the number of tourists from China visiting our province, which is famous for eco-tourism, with a selection of excellent snorkelling and diving sites, as well as Komodo National Park, home to giant lizards," said East Nusa Tenggara Province Vice-Governor Josef A. Nae Soi.

According to the provincial tourism department, the number of Chinese visitors to Komodo National Park and surrounding snorkelling sites reached 8,400 in 2019, compared to 9,300 French visitors.

This influx of tourists is great news for the local economy, as it will bring in much-needed revenue and create jobs for the local population. With the right planning and investment, Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia are sure to benefit from the rising number of travelers from other regions.

According to Nae Soi, after the pandemic, the number of tourists will grow rapidly in the coming years.

He said the provincial authorities had formulated policies and were taking steps to make the region more attractive by developing quality homestays for tourists in different parts of the region rich in local cultural traditions.

From luxurious resorts and stunning beaches in Bali to the bustling cities of Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Indonesia offers something for everyone. With its diverse culture and friendly people, it's no wonder why Indonesia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Putu Winastra, chairman of the Bali chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tour and Travel Association, said Bali and other tourism centres in Indonesia would further develop interaction with ASEAN countries as well as other countries, especially with China.

Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Economic Community, called for more favourable visa requirements for ASEAN nationals.

Experts and analysts expressed confidence in the return of Chinese tourists and their positive impact on economic recovery in ASEAN countries as China facilitates cross-border travel.

Overseas group tours from China resume from 6 February. A total of 20 destination countries are on the list, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Photo: IStock