Tourism Ministry Aims to Develop Wellness Tourism Ecosystem
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Tourism is working to develop a fitness tourism business ecosystem in order to strengthen the competitiveness of national tourism.
Ministry of Tourism spokesperson Nia Niscaya said the ministry is striving to realise a fitness tourism business ecosystem that can grow and develop in a sustainable manner.
“The Ministry of Tourism is currently paying great attention to the development of the wellness tourism business ecosystem as one of the strategies to strengthen tourism competitiveness,” she told ANTARA in Jakarta on Sunday.
The development efforts for the fitness tourism business ecosystem encompass improvements to destinations, service standards, product innovation, investment, promotion, and human resource capacity.
The Ministry of Tourism believes that fitness tourism can become one of the main drivers of quality tourism businesses.
Users of fitness tourism services do not merely visit tourist destinations; they want to experience memorable moments during their travels.
They can stay longer at tourist attractions and therefore have the opportunity to spend more money.
“Fitness or wellness tourism plays an important role in the tourism sector, as a key element supporting sport tourism, alongside events, adventure tourism, and experience or integrated area tourism,” Nia said.
Meanwhile, a report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) states that the global fitness tourism industry in 2024 has the potential to generate an economic impact of US$6.8 trillion, with its economic impact projected to rise to US$9.75 trillion by 2029.
The 2024 GWI report also named Indonesia as the largest wellness economy in South-East Asia, with an economic value reaching US$55.77 billion.
Nia said the Ministry of Tourism is primarily targeting millennial and Gen Z tourists in promoting tourism services.
The term Gen Y or Millennial refers to those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Z refers to those born between 1997 and 2012.
According to an American Express Travel survey cited in the Indonesia Tourism Outlook 2025 and 2026, millennial and Gen Z travellers are projected to become increasingly active in taking both domestic and international trips.
“Their motivation is not only to visit destinations but also to gain new experiences, attend events, and enjoy sports and fitness activities,” Nia said.