Indonesian Ministry Of Tourism Champions Innovation In 2026 With Strategic Focus On Thematic Tourism Experiences To Attract High-Spending Travelers And Drive Future Growth

Published on December 17, 2025

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is set to continue and expand its key initiatives into 2026, with a clear focus on enhancing Indonesia’s image as a premier destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. The Ministry’s strategic plans prioritize community empowerment, innovation in tourism offerings, and the integration of technology to create memorable experiences for visitors. These efforts aim to ensure that the country remains competitive in the global tourism market while also promoting responsible and impactful growth for local communities. Through various programs such as the Tourism Villages and Quality Tourism initiatives, Indonesia is committed to attracting a diverse range of travelers while maintaining a sustainable tourism model.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is gearing up to continue and expand its flagship initiatives into 2026, with a clear focus on strengthening Indonesia’s image as a top destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. By focusing on the growth of the tourism sector and its benefits to local communities, the Ministry aims to reinforce Indonesia’s position as a leader in the global tourism market.

At the core of the Ministry’s plans is the Tourism Villages program, which has proven to be an effective tool for empowering local communities while promoting sustainable tourism. Over the past years, this program has made significant strides, including the recognition of two Indonesian villages as part of the UN Best Tourism Villages and the receipt of 15 awards across three categories at the ASEAN Tourism Awards. These achievements underline the program’s success in elevating tourism standards in rural areas while maintaining a deep respect for local culture and heritage.

The Ministry’s efforts have also led to the issuance of 2,885 halal certificates for tourism villages and five sustainable village certifications, ensuring that the tourism sector is aligned with the diverse needs of both local populations and international travelers. The Ministry is committed to guiding the development of 15 select tourism villages, ensuring they continue their journey toward further growth and success.

As Indonesia moves into 2026, the Ministry is placing a stronger emphasis on the Quality Tourism program. This initiative aims to innovate the country’s tourism offerings by creating specialized tourism packages that focus on gastronomy, wellness, and marine tourism. These thematic packages are designed to appeal to higher-spending tourists, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the tourism sector and ensuring that visitors have a memorable and enriching experience. By diversifying tourism offerings, the Ministry hopes to attract a more sophisticated and financially affluent audience, strengthening Indonesia’s appeal as a destination for high-quality travel.

In addition to quality tourism, the Ministry has shown its appreciation for stakeholders who support the development of sustainable tourism in the country. The Wonderful Indonesia Awards is one such initiative, created to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to Indonesia’s tourism growth. Through this program, the Ministry continues to build relationships with key industry players and acknowledges the collective effort to position Indonesia as a prominent tourism destination.

The Event by Indonesia program, another of the Ministry’s initiatives, has demonstrated its power in boosting the tourism industry and driving economic growth. In 2025, this program attracted more than 12.2 million visitors to various events throughout Indonesia, contributing to an impressive economic impact. These events have not only drawn international attention but also empowered more than 20,800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing job opportunities for over 250,000 workers. The economic impact of these events reached approximately Rp23.76 trillion (around US$1.4 billion), showcasing the significant contribution of tourism events to the country’s economic development.

The Ministry is also committed to embracing new technologies to enhance the tourism experience. The Tourism 5.0 initiative, which will continue in 2026, introduces an AI-powered tourism assistant named MaiA. This tool provides travelers with fast and reliable information, helping them navigate Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings more efficiently. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the Ministry aims to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips and discover the unique attractions that Indonesia has to offer.

Furthermore, the Ministry has introduced the Tourism Safety Enhancement program, which is designed to improve the skills and competencies of tour guides, especially those leading visitors to extreme or high-risk tourist destinations. This initiative will help ensure that Indonesia’s tour guides are well-equipped to manage challenging environments, prioritizing the safety and security of tourists while enhancing their overall experience.

In an effort to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene at tourist destinations, the Ministry launched the Clean Tourism Movement in 2025. This initiative brought together over 9,000 participants and 22 strategic partners to improve the cleanliness of Indonesia’s tourist sites. The program’s focus on hygiene not only ensures that tourists have a pleasant experience but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry by maintaining the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the country.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism plans to expand its flagship initiatives into 2026 to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a top destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. These efforts focus on community development, innovation, and enhancing visitor experiences to ensure long-term growth.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is positioning the country as a leader in sustainable tourism. The Ministry’s commitment to quality tourism, innovation, and local community empowerment ensures that Indonesia’s tourism industry will continue to thrive in the coming years. By embracing new technologies, expanding thematic tourism packages, and focusing on the safety and well-being of visitors, Indonesia is set to remain an attractive and competitive destination for travelers worldwide.