Indonesia Strengthens Cooperation with ASEAN-Japan Centre to Develop Tourism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Tourism is striving to strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre to develop the tourism sector, particularly wellness tourism. “Wellness tourism is one of the directions for the development of Indonesian tourism going forward. We see the ASEAN-Japan Centre as a strategic partner that can help strengthen promotion, knowledge exchange, and the development of the Indonesian wellness tourism ecosystem in the Japanese market and the region,” said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday. In a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) Dr. Kunihiko “Chris” Hirabayashi, in Tokyo, Japan on Monday (30/3), Widiyanti expressed appreciation for the role of the ASEAN-Japan Centre in promoting ASEAN destinations in the Japanese market and strengthening cooperation between governments and tourism industry players in the region. In line with this, both parties affirmed the importance of strategic collaboration in promoting the overall development of the tourism sector. One of the areas of collaboration discussed includes strengthening wellness tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, focusing on health, fitness, and holistic experiences. In addition to wellness tourism, the meeting also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in developing sustainable tourism and community-based tourism. For example, the development of tourism villages, which is one of Indonesia’s focuses in strengthening community-based tourism while improving local community welfare. Through this meeting, Indonesia and the ASEAN-Japan Centre affirmed their commitment to continue strengthening collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism, increasing tourist exchanges, and strengthening relations between the people of Indonesia, Japan, and the ASEAN region.