BPOLBF and BPS strengthen Labuan Bajo tourism ecosystem through economic census

The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) and the West Manggarai Central Statistics Agency (BPS) are strengthening the data-driven tourism ecosystem through the second Tourism Discussion and the socialisation of the 2026 Economic Census for local industry players. Acting BPOLBF President Director Andhy MT Marpaung stated that the forum was designed to ensure all tourism business activities, from hospitality and travel to culinary services, are accurately recorded in the census. He noted that the collaboration between BPOLBF and BPS West Manggarai is a strategic step in reinforcing the tourism sector database in the Labuan Bajo Flores area. According to Marpaung, accurate data is crucial for formulating targeted tourism development policies and assisting businesses in designing their growth strategies. The forum was attended by several industry representatives, including The Jayakarta Suites Komodo, Sudamala Resort Komodo, Laprima Labuan Bajo, and Parlezo Hotel. In addition to discussing tourism sector developments in the first quarter of 2026, the event featured a workshop on completing the Economic Census to improve participants’ understanding of the importance of economic data collection. Abdul Rauf, Head of the Economic Census Team at BPS West Manggarai, explained that the census is conducted every ten years under Law Number 16 of 1997. During the session, BPS West Manggarai Junior Statistician Dyonisius H.S. Jewaru presented the Indonesia-NTT-Manggarai Barat Tourism Outlook 2025/2026, covering sector developments, connectivity, and tourist movement trends. BPS data indicated that transportation activity in East Nusa Tenggara in April 2026 showed a positive trend, particularly in sea transport, with passenger numbers rising by 56.92% and shipping activity increasing by 31.91%. Meanwhile, air transport remained relatively stable, with a 0.38% increase in flights. Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo and Labuan Bajo Port were identified as primary connectivity hubs supporting regional mobility and tourism activities.