Tourism Minister Is in Australia to Promote Tourism Alternatives to Bali

TheIndonesia.co - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno is currently in Australia to promote tourist destinations in Indonesia as alternatives to Bali, where millions of Australians spend their holiday.

In his meeting with Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Daniel Thomas Tehan at the Commonwealth Offices in Melbourne, Uno noted that the southern neighbor was the first country he visited in his role as a minister because a lot of Australians come to Indonesia every year.

“This is my first trip abroad as Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, and I visit Australia because the number of Australian tourists that come to Indonesia is big – even Bali has become their second home,” Uno said on Wednesday, April 6, as reported by Antara.

He said about 1.4 million Australians visited Indonesia in 2019, but the figure fell drastically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His visit is expected to promote various holiday destinations in Indonesia as alternatives to Bali as well as to initiate bilateral cooperation in other creative economy sectors.

“Indonesian doesn’t only have Bali as a tourist destination for Australians, but it also has many beautiful destinations with rich natural and cultural diversity,” he promoted.

Uno also proposed knowledge sharing on the best practice in organizing international sporting events because the two countries host a number of competition, such as the Formula 1.

“Melbourne hosts many sports events, and Indonesia can learn from Australia on how to grow the tourism, especially since F1 race is planned to take place in Bintan [Riau Islands,” the Minister said.

Tehan expressed his appreciation for the visit and expected the collaboration with Indonesia to continue.

“Australians are very interested to come to Indonesia, especially Bali. We hope the cooperation continues well, especially since we’re also neighbors.”