Minister Discusses Technology Use in Tourism Development at APEC Meeting
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana discussed the use of technology in efforts to develop tourism during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting.
At The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM13) in Macau SAR, China, on Saturday (27/6), she stated that technology and digital innovation play a vital role in developing a resilient tourism ecosystem within the region.
“As a country undergoing massive digital transformation, Indonesia believes that the intersection of smart technology and community-centred collaboration is the right way to build a resilient, inclusive, and integrated tourism ecosystem across the region,” she said, as quoted in a ministry press release on Monday.
During a discussion session regarding the use of digital and emerging technologies in tourism enterprises and their benefits for APEC’s economic growth, she suggested that digital innovation could serve as a bridge for transformation towards quality and sustainable tourism in the region.
“We believe that digital innovation must be a bridge to transition our region from mass tourism towards high-value, quality, and sustainable tourism,” she said.
Indonesia has invited APEC members to strive for inclusive digital transformation, reduce the digital literacy gap, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are felt directly by local communities.
As an example, the Indonesian delegation highlighted the benefits of expanding the use of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) within the APEC region to facilitate transactions, strengthen economic connectivity, and make it easier for local businesses to access wider markets.
To support the management of tourist destinations, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is developing MaiA, an artificial intelligence-based travel planning tool, to increase destination visibility and provide a more personalised travel experience.
The utilisation of similar technologies within the APEC region is believed to enhance the tourist experience while supporting the development of data-driven tourism services.
Furthermore, Indonesia’s representative at the APEC meeting emphasised the importance of increasing digital literacy among the tourism workforce to improve their speed of adaptation to technological developments.
“Digital innovation must be a tool that unites, rather than a barrier to inclusive development,” said Widiyanti.
“Indonesia is ready to collaborate with all APEC economies to build a technologically advanced, resilient, and inclusive future for tourism, ensuring that no one is left behind,” she added.
She also expressed Indonesia’s support for the implementation of the APEC Tourism Strategic Plan 2025–2029, the Putrajaya Vision 2040, and the results of APEC studies regarding the enhancement of travel facilitation effectiveness within the APEC region.