Indonesia Set To Make A Big Splash In Tourism With Record Numbers Of Travelers Expected To Explore Its Stunning Beaches, Mountains, And Culinary Delights In December 2025

Published on December 2, 2025

Indonesia is set to experience a major tourism boost during the 2025–2026 Christmas and New Year holidays, with an expected 1.36 million foreign tourists and over 120 million domestic trips. This surge is driven by strategic promotional efforts, including transportation discounts and exclusive tour packages, designed to make travel more affordable and accessible. With an array of diverse destinations and experiences on offer, Indonesia is positioning itself as a top holiday destination, encouraging both international and local travelers to explore the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant tourism offerings.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is expecting a surge in both international and domestic tourist arrivals during the Christmas and New Year holidays in 2025–2026. The ministry has outlined several strategies to drive this anticipated growth, including various promotional packages and incentives, such as discounted transportation fares. These efforts are designed to make travel more affordable and accessible, contributing to the overall goal of boosting the nation’s tourism sector during the holiday period.

According to the Ministry’s forecasts, Indonesia is set to welcome an estimated 1.36 million foreign tourists in December 2025. This marks a substantial increase of 10.72% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw just over 1.23 million international visitors. The projected growth represents an additional 131,867 foreign tourists, reflecting the country’s continued appeal as a prime holiday destination in Southeast Asia. The Ministry’s projections align with broader trends of recovery and growth in the tourism sector, following the pandemic-related disruptions in previous years.

In addition to international visitors, domestic tourism is expected to experience a remarkable uptick as well. The Ministry has estimated that over 120 million domestic trips will be taken in December 2025. This is a 19.34% increase, or an additional 19.5 million trips, when compared to December 2024, which saw approximately 101 million domestic journeys. This rise in domestic travel signals a positive recovery trend, with Indonesians increasingly choosing to explore their own country during the holiday period.

The Ministry’s prediction for overall movement across the country during the 2025 holiday season aligns with similar trends in the previous year. In December 2024, there were a total of 225.86 million movements within the country, based on data collected from the Ministry of Transportation between December 18 and January 8. Of these, 94.67 million were domestic trips, primarily between provinces. This movement pattern is expected to remain consistent in 2025, with similar volumes of domestic travel anticipated across the archipelago.

The Ministry’s estimates are backed by detailed research into the types of destinations that attract tourists during the holiday season. Consistently, beaches, lakes, and coastal areas top the list of most-visited places, accounting for 58.6% of all tourist visits. These areas offer a relaxing environment for both international and domestic travelers seeking to unwind by the water. Culinary tourism is also a major draw, with 54.8% of visitors gravitating toward gastronomic hotspots across the country. Indonesian cuisine, with its unique blend of spices and flavors, continues to captivate the taste buds of travelers, both local and foreign.

Mountainous regions and scenic hills remain popular as well, attracting 50% of tourists who prefer the cool climate and stunning natural landscapes. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries also see significant foot traffic, with 33.9% of tourists exploring these family-friendly attractions. In addition, rural tourist villages are becoming more popular, with 28.4% of travelers seeking a more authentic and immersive experience in the heart of Indonesia’s culture and traditions.

In response to the expected rise in both international and domestic tourism, the Ministry of Tourism is taking proactive steps to make travel more affordable. One of the key measures being introduced is a wide range of transportation discounts, covering air, rail, and sea travel. These discounted fares will help reduce the cost of transportation for both foreign tourists visiting Indonesia and domestic travelers exploring the country. The goal is to alleviate some of the financial burden for tourists, encouraging more people to travel and take advantage of the holiday season.

The Ministry is also promoting 65 special Christmas and New Year tour packages that cover a variety of Indonesia’s priority tourist destinations. These packages have been developed in collaboration with 23 industry partners, ranging from travel agencies to hotels and tour operators. The packages are designed to provide tourists with a comprehensive experience, offering everything from guided city tours to cultural performances and scenic excursions. By focusing on popular and emerging destinations, these packages aim to boost visits to a diverse range of locations throughout the archipelago.

Exhibitions and tourism forums are also part of the Ministry’s promotional efforts. These events are being used as platforms to raise awareness about Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings, with a particular focus on the holiday season. Through these forums, the Ministry is working to engage both international and domestic tourists, offering them valuable information about the country’s top destinations and travel opportunities.

In addition to attracting tourists during the peak holiday period, the Ministry’s efforts also aim to stimulate the local economy. Tourism plays a significant role in generating income for many regions, particularly those that rely heavily on visitor spending. The promotion of discounted travel and tour packages will not only make vacations more affordable but also help support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport providers. This will have a ripple effect on the wider economy, contributing to employment and growth in tourism-related sectors.

The Ministry’s comprehensive approach is designed to capitalize on Indonesia’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading travel destinations. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene, Indonesia continues to attract a wide range of tourists. By focusing on affordability, accessibility, and a diverse range of experiences, the Ministry hopes to create an environment where both local and international travelers can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling holiday experience.

As Indonesia looks ahead to the 2025–2026 Christmas and New Year holidays, the country’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth. With efforts to enhance travel options and provide exciting new packages, the Ministry of Tourism is making it easier than ever for visitors to explore the beauty and diversity of Indonesia. This holiday season, the country is set to shine as a premier destination for tourists from around the world.