Indonesia's tourism gains signal stronger economic growth

[hartono]

Indonesia's tourism gains signal stronger economic growth​

Illustration - Tourists use stand-up paddle boards at Lhok Gaca Lake, Aceh Besar, Aceh, Sunday (July 12, 2026). ANTARAFOTO/Akramul Muslim/bar

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's tourism sector expanded in the first half of 2026, with higher foreign arrivals, domestic travel and visitor spending signaling stronger economic growth despite global uncertainty, a Tourism Ministry official said.

Tourism Ministry Special Staff Apni Jaya Putra said in a statement released here Friday that Statistics Indonesia data showed the sector remained resilient despite global economic challenges.

Foreign tourist arrivals reached 7.45 million in the first half, up 5.71 percent from a year earlier. Domestic travel totaled 630.41 million trips, rising 2.71 percent year on year.

Average spending by foreign visitors increased to US$1,313 per trip, up 6.36 percent from the first half of 2025.

Putra said higher tourist arrivals and spending boosted business activity across hospitality, transportation, food services and the creative economy.

"Higher tourist spending generates a larger multiplier effect for communities, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and regional tourism businesses," he said.

He said the positive momentum was also reflected in stronger hotel occupancy rates.

Hotel occupancy averaged 48.2 percent in the first half of 2026, compared with 45.72 percent in the corresponding period a year earlier.

"The increase in hotel occupancy shows tourism activity continues to strengthen. It indicates growing public confidence in traveling," he said.

Putra said tourism also supported Indonesia's economic growth, which reached 5.29 percent in the first half of 2026.

Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs showed the tourism-driven Bali and Nusa Tenggara region posted economic growth of 6.1 percent.

"The figures show tourism is no longer merely a supporting sector but a key driver of national economic growth. We remain optimistic this momentum will continue through year-end," he said.

Indonesia's tourism gains signal stronger economic growth

Indonesia's tourism sector expanded in the first half of 2026, with higher foreign arrivals, domestic travel and visitor spending signaling stronger ...

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