Indonesia's Minister Praises Saudi Arabia's Tourism Vision
The Indonesian Tourism Minister commends Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans in the tourism sector.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s plan to invest approximately $800 billion in its tourism industry by 2030 has garnered international praise, particularly from Indonesia’s tourism minister.
Speaking at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana lauded the Kingdom's forward-thinking approach as 'very inspiring.'
This endorsement comes amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve its Vision 2030 goal of making tourism a significant driver for economic diversification.
The nation aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually, with one-third expected to come from abroad.
Wardhana highlighted the strategic nature of Saudi Arabia's plan and expressed interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
She noted that her meeting with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb included discussions on potential collaborations in human capital development, emphasizing Indonesia’s capability to supply well-trained hospitality personnel due to its 2,900 tourism polytechnic graduates and a total workforce of about 26 million.
Wardhana also pointed out the necessity for increasing direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia as a means to enhance connectivity.
She suggested that improved air travel links would stimulate demand for travel between the two countries.
The Indonesian minister also touched on religious tourism, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s unique position as home to Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah.
She expressed optimism about increasing the number of Indonesian pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, not only for religious purposes but also to explore the Kingdom’s diverse natural and cultural attractions.
Last year, approximately 135,000 Saudis visited Indonesia, a figure that Wardhana aims to increase.
She emphasized Indonesia's readiness to cater to Muslim travelers with halal food options, easily accessible mosques, and historical ties to Arab traders.
To promote Muslim-friendly tourism in Indonesia, the minister announced plans for setting up special information desks and improving online platforms with Arabic language support, including a chatbot feature.
Wardhana also praised Saudi Arabia's hosting of the UN Tourism General Assembly and the launch of the TOURISE Summit as significant steps towards shaping global tourism over the next 50 years.
She views these initiatives as opportunities to boost tourism through large-scale events that create jobs and draw international attention.
Speaking at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana lauded the Kingdom's forward-thinking approach as 'very inspiring.'
This endorsement comes amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve its Vision 2030 goal of making tourism a significant driver for economic diversification.
The nation aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually, with one-third expected to come from abroad.
Wardhana highlighted the strategic nature of Saudi Arabia's plan and expressed interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
She noted that her meeting with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb included discussions on potential collaborations in human capital development, emphasizing Indonesia’s capability to supply well-trained hospitality personnel due to its 2,900 tourism polytechnic graduates and a total workforce of about 26 million.
Wardhana also pointed out the necessity for increasing direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia as a means to enhance connectivity.
She suggested that improved air travel links would stimulate demand for travel between the two countries.
The Indonesian minister also touched on religious tourism, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s unique position as home to Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah.
She expressed optimism about increasing the number of Indonesian pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, not only for religious purposes but also to explore the Kingdom’s diverse natural and cultural attractions.
Last year, approximately 135,000 Saudis visited Indonesia, a figure that Wardhana aims to increase.
She emphasized Indonesia's readiness to cater to Muslim travelers with halal food options, easily accessible mosques, and historical ties to Arab traders.
To promote Muslim-friendly tourism in Indonesia, the minister announced plans for setting up special information desks and improving online platforms with Arabic language support, including a chatbot feature.
Wardhana also praised Saudi Arabia's hosting of the UN Tourism General Assembly and the launch of the TOURISE Summit as significant steps towards shaping global tourism over the next 50 years.
She views these initiatives as opportunities to boost tourism through large-scale events that create jobs and draw international attention.
