Indonesia Has Great Potential to Develop Authentic Luxury Tourism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sherona Shng, Deputy Director of Regional Operations for Asia at Langham Hospitality Group, assesses that Indonesia has considerable potential to develop authentic luxury tourism.

“I think in the past, tourists travelled more in search of hotel size and visual appeal. But today’s trend is that tourists seek something more immersive; they want experiences,” Shng said during a media gathering in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Real urban experiences intertwined with local culture are the attractions sought by contemporary tourists when visiting a country. In the context of Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, she notes that the capital is known worldwide as a bustling city and a destination for many businesspeople.

Typically, tourists who visit while working will make time for culinary tourism to sample local delicacies or seek souvenirs with explanations about their origins. Shng exemplifies that tourists are interested in understanding the process and meaning behind motifs on batik.

“So how do we make that experience immersive? In my view, travellers want to explore the country like a city journey. This is becoming a big thing. Wherever they go, they want to walk the city,” she stated.

While strolling the streets, she believes that tourists coming to Indonesia want to see a mix of history, but also enjoy new things. For example, enjoying city views while visiting cafes and bars in places like hotels or savouring meals at Michelin-starred restaurants or those run by celebrity chefs.

According to her, restaurants located within hotels and well-managed will rapidly increase occupancy. Moreover, everyone visiting Jakarta will at least stop over for some time.

Jesper Palmqvist, Deputy Director for Asia Pacific at STR, highlights that Indonesia is one of the countries comfortable to visit. Even as the world faces dynamics, the impact is not particularly felt by the luxury tourism segment managed in Indonesia.