Indonesia Boosts Tourism with Shopping Discounts and VAT Refunds During Great Sale, Get the Details Here

Published on November 21, 2025

Indonesia’s retail industry is making an effort to court more international visitors by offering major discounts and tax refunds during the Indonesia Great Sale shopping festival. This is expected to boost the dive in the holiday shopping and tourism. This offering in refund tax and discounts is expected to make Indonesia a primary shopping destination.

Hippindo’s chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah is selling these benefits and why foreign tourists need to capitalize on the sales to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism. A predominately discount driven marketing campaign is focused to make the most of a robust shopping culture in a destination that is inexpensive to international travelers.

Tax Refunds and Discounts: A Powerful Tool to Attract Shoppers

One of the main strategies being promoted by Hippindo is the introduction of a value-added tax (VAT) refund program for foreign tourists. The VAT refund will allow visitors to claim up to 11% back on their purchases, making it a compelling reason for tourists to choose Indonesia for their shopping needs. According to Iduansjah, the campaign will focus on highlighting the message “Come to Indonesia, get an 11 percent discount,” which aims to draw attention and entice potential shoppers.

The VAT refund is particularly significant for foreign tourists who often face higher retail costs when traveling abroad. By offering this incentive, Indonesia hopes to encourage tourists to visit the country specifically for its shopping opportunities, contributing to the overall goal of increasing international tourist arrivals. Additionally, the plan includes the promotion of discounted airfares for foreign tourists, particularly during the peak travel periods of Christmas and New Year, to further stimulate demand for travel to Indonesia.

Promoting the 2025 Indonesia Great Sale to International Shoppers

The 2025 Indonesia Great Sale, set to take place from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026, will involve hundreds of shopping malls and retailers across the country, offering discounts of up to 80% on a wide range of products. The sale is expected to attract both local and international shoppers, with specific efforts being made to appeal to foreign tourists through targeted marketing campaigns and English-language promotional materials.

The sale will feature a variety of promotions, including limited-time offers and storewide discounts, making it an ideal time for tourists to visit Indonesia and indulge in high-quality goods at lower prices. To ensure that international visitors are aware of the event, the Ministry of Tourism, along with retail partners, will use multilingual advertising, including a special English song to promote the event. The goal is to ensure that travelers from overseas recognize the sale as a must-visit event in Indonesia.

Benefits for Tourists and Local Economy

The primary benefit of the 2025 Indonesia Great Sale and its associated promotions, such as VAT refunds, is the economic stimulus it brings to both the retail sector and the broader tourism industry. For foreign tourists, the opportunity to shop for high-end goods at significant discounts, combined with the added benefit of the VAT refund, offers a compelling reason to visit Indonesia. The sale provides a great opportunity to shop for fashion, electronics, and unique local products that reflect Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

From an economic standpoint, the initiative is expected to generate substantial revenue for the country. By attracting international tourists specifically for the shopping festival, Indonesia can bolster the retail industry, provide a boost to the hospitality sector, and increase demand for transportation and related services. The tourism-driven revenue will also help to support local communities, with small businesses and local artisans benefiting from the influx of international shoppers.

According to Budihardjo Iduansjah, the 2025 Indonesia Great Sale is targeting a total transaction value of Rp30 trillion, a significant increase of 5-10% compared to last year. This growth is expected to further highlight the importance of tourism-related retail sales as a key driver of economic growth in the country.

The Growing Role of Tourism in Indonesia’s Economy

Tourism plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s overall economic structure, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and job creation. The tourism industry supports a wide range of sectors, from hospitality and transportation to retail and cultural industries. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, Indonesia has long been a popular destination for travelers, especially those interested in exploring Southeast Asia.

The promotion of shopping tourism through events like the Great Sale is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and attract a global audience. While traditional cultural and natural tourism continue to draw large numbers of visitors, the country is increasingly recognizing the value of integrating shopping and lifestyle tourism into its overall tourism strategy. By promoting events that focus on shopping, Indonesia aims to cater to the growing demand for experiences that combine leisure travel with retail therapy.

The Impact of Promotional Campaigns on Foreign Tourism

The role of marketing and promotional campaigns in tourism cannot be underestimated, especially when targeting international visitors. By offering VAT refunds, discounted airfares, and special shopping events, Indonesia is making itself an attractive option for foreign tourists looking for value-driven travel experiences.

As part of the promotional push, the Indonesian government and local tourism boards are working closely with international travel agencies and online booking platforms to reach potential visitors. These partnerships will ensure that information about the 2025 Indonesia Great Sale and the VAT refund program reaches the right audience, helping to increase bookings and strengthen the overall perception of Indonesia as a top destination for shopping tourism.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Tourists

The 2025 Indonesia Great Sale is not just about driving short-term revenue—it is also about building long-term relationships with tourists. By offering unique shopping experiences, promoting discounts, and creating a welcoming environment for international visitors, Indonesia is positioning itself as a destination that values its visitors and provides a memorable and rewarding experience.

With the promotion of cultural tourism and shopping events like the Great Sale, Indonesia can build lasting loyalty among foreign tourists, encouraging repeat visits and fostering deeper engagement with the country’s tourism offerings. This loyalty will ultimately contribute to a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the local economy and the global community of travelers.

Indonesia’s Growing Appeal as a Shopping Destination

Indonesia’s appealing shopping destination is likely to become even more popular due to Indonesia’s promotional tourism campaign, the 2025 Great Sale, and the country’s VAT rebate programs. Relaxed shopping opportunities and the promotion of cultural tourism and tourism experience enrichment are expected to bring more foreign visitors to the country. Indonesia is aiding tourism immigration through, enhanced, collaborated and marketed promotional programs. The country is likely to experience sustainable economic growth through the tourism immigration.