Adaptive travel packages emerge as opportunity amidst global pressures

The Indonesian Travel Agent Association (Astindo) has proposed a strategy to capture national tourism opportunities amidst global conflicts by creating more adaptive travel packages.

“More adaptive travel packages, adjusting to current conditions which may involve shorter, regional trips with more affordable budgets,” said the Chairperson of Astindo, Pauline Suhermano, during the ASTINDO Nusantara Travel Exchange 2026 in Jakarta on Monday.

Pauline stated that the association is preparing various affordable travel alternatives, such as more economical and shorter packages, to ensure that the lower-middle-class population, who may be affected by economic pressures, can still travel, particularly during school holiday seasons.

Unlike in the past, when group meals were commonly provided, packages are now being designed without communal dining facilities. This allows tourists to enjoy local cuisine according to their preferences while simultaneously reducing costs for consumers.

“This aligns with the principle of sustainability, where we can create an impact on local communities when we design or organise travel packages,” she added.

“For instance, overland trips via train. This is something we have implemented, with the hope that during long weekends, people will not simply stay home but will engage in regional travel,” she noted.

Furthermore, Pauline emphasised the importance of strengthening communication and education for the public. She also highlighted that coordination between ministries and agencies is crucial in policymaking for the tourism sector.

“Coordination between Ministries and Agencies (K/L) is vital so as not to disadvantage tourism. This is because tourism has a significant multiplier effect and requires inter-agency coordination, involving immigration, finance, and human resources,” she concluded.