The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, through the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf), actively participated in the renowned New York Travel and Adventure Show (NYTAS) 2024, held on January 27-28, 2024. The event, situated at Javits K Center, New York, attracted over 21,500 visitors, making it the largest international tourism fair in the United States. Kemenparekraf facilitated seven Indonesian tourism businesses, including tour operators and accommodations, to showcase a variety of travel packages, particularly highlighting Bali and the 5 Super Priority Destinations (DSP). The involvement was part of the ministry's strategic initiative to achieve increased tourist visits, focusing on the US market. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy, emphasized the positive post-pandemic trend in foreign tourist visits from the United States. As of November 2023, US tourist visits ranked 7th with 358,769 visits. Looking ahead to 2024, the ministry set an ambitious target, aiming for a 226% increase from the 2023 target of 124,700 to reach 406,470 US tourist visits.
This heightened target is seen as an opportunity to attract quality tourists, given the higher spending capacity and longer stays of US tourists, potentially resulting in more significant foreign exchange earnings. The New York Travel and Adventure Show provides an extensive platform, with last year's event featuring 350 travel agents, cruise representatives, online travel agents, and over 60 travel advisors. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy for Marketing at Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf, stated that the participation in NYTAS 2024 strategically aligns with the characteristics of US tourists, emphasizing their interest in nature and adventure activities. With Indonesia boasting numerous unique destinations in these categories, the event serves as an ideal platform to promote the diverse natural and adventure tourism offerings to potential US tourists. Made further highlighted the significance of New York as a global trendsetter, allowing promotional activities in the city to have a broader impact, contributing to achieving targets for tourist visits, higher spending, and longer stays. Through its participation, Kemenparekraf aims to not only maintain Indonesia's tourism presence in the United States but also accelerate efforts to increase the number of US tourist visits to Indonesia. The strategic involvement in the tourism fair contributes to promoting Indonesia's diverse attractions and fostering a positive trajectory in US tourist arrivals.
