Indonesia tourism to surpass its pre-Covid numbers in 2026
Indonesia’s tourism sector is on the brink of surpassing its pre-Covid performance, driven by rising international arrivals
CEBU CITY, Philippines (MNTV) – Indonesia’s tourism sector is on the brink of surpassing its pre-Covid performance, driven by rising international arrivals, record domestic travel, and higher visitor spending. Officials say the gains made in 2025 have set the stage for a stronger 2026, marking a decisive shift from recovery to sustained growth, reports travelmole.
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, the Deputy Minister for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, said that the current momentum that the country currently has will definitely continue. “Indonesia is increasingly perceived as the destination to be on a global scale,” she said during the 2026 edition of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, Philippines.
Indonesia’s tourism sector has entered a new phase of growth, rather defined not only by size, but by value. Internationally, the country is on track for its 2025 annual target. “By November last year, Indonesia welcomed nearly 14 million foreign visitors. I am confident that December figures ultimately will push arrivals to our goal which is between 15 and 16 million international arrivals. It shows that tourism remains one of Indonesia’s most resilient growth engines,” said Marthini during her ATF presentation.
On the domestic front, Indonesia remains a top destination. “With a population of more than 280 million people, domestic travel alone has surged to 1.09 billion trips last year. It means that we have a vast internal market where the population travels on average three to four times per year.
“This scale represents enormous potential, both economically and socially. In 2026, we anticipate 1.18 billion domestic trips and between 16 to 17.6 million international visitors arrivals. We would finally help us to surpass our pre-Covid performance,” added Marthini.
While arrivals matter, Indonesia’s strategy increasingly prioritizes spending, jobs, and long-term impact. Tourism now employs 25.9 million people across the full ecosystem—from transport and accommodation to culture and creative industries—making it one of the country’s largest employment sectors.
Tourism’s contribution to GDP reached close to 4% by the third quarter, with forecasts from major Indonesian banks suggesting it may already be closer to 4.9%. Tourism receipts stood last year at $13.82 billion with an average spending of $1,259 per arrival. In 2026, tourism could generate $22 to 24.7 billion with an average spending per arrival of $1,372 to $1,404.
Employment in tourism is projected to rise to 26.5 million, while the sector’s GDP contribution target stands at 4.6%.
Priority markets
Given Indonesia’s size—more than 17,000 islands—the government has made deliberate choices about where to focus. Indonesia has 15 priority source markets, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the U.K. and France. These markets were selected based on growth, connectivity, and spending patterns.
On the destination side, development efforts are concentrated on key areas called the 12 “other Bali”. The success of the 12 “other Bali” is, however, not that strong. “We need to reassess our promotion of those destinations as we want to take some of the pressure faced by Bali by enhancing the appeal of other destinations,” said Marthini.
Meanwhile, Indonesia makes an increased use of AI and digital innovation. In late 2025, the Ministry of Tourism launched Tourism 5.0, introducing AI-driven personalization through its official website.
At the center is “MAIA,” an artificial intelligence travel companion designed to provide reliable, tailored information and enhance the visitor experience from planning to arrival. This digital shift complements ongoing collaboration with industry partners through trade shows, familiarization trips, digital campaigns, and international promotions.
Indonesia’s overarching theme 2026 is quality tourism — focusing on meaningful experiences, environmental responsibility, and cultural respect. Key pillars include marine tourism, wellness and health tourism, gastronomy, arts and culture, and design.
Indonesia’s global campaign, “Go Beyond Ordinary,” launched at the end of 2025 reflects its ambition to surprise visitors with depth, diversity, and authenticity.
With improved visa processes, biometric immigration systems, and streamlined digital entry procedures, Indonesia is more than ever an exceptional destination to easily discover.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
