Tourism Up on Thai Unrest
Foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia rose 21 percent in October from a year ago, according to data released on Monday, as security fears in Thailand prompted some vacationers to switch to Indonesia instead.
The number of foreign tourists for the first 10 months rose 13 percent to 5.09 million, boosted by arrivals to Bali Province, but still well below the government’s full-year target of 7 million visitors.
In October, 529,391 foreign tourists visited Indonesia, up from 436,300 a year ago, and compared to 501,018 in June.
“The rise was partly because of the conflict in Thailand, so this is an opportunity for Indonesia,” said Yanti Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel Association.
“Many people changed their destination as security in Thailand is considered to be unsafe.”
The Thai government imposed emergency rule in early September following violent clashes between pro- and anti-government groups. More recently, the country’s tourism industry has been hit by the occupation of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport by anti-government protesters.
Indonesia’s attractions range from rainforests and beaches to volcanoes and ancient temples. Tourism accounts for 5 percent of gross domestic product, and was severely hit by bombings in Bali and Jakarta, the 2004 tsunami and bird flu.
Reuters
The number of foreign tourists for the first 10 months rose 13 percent to 5.09 million, boosted by arrivals to Bali Province, but still well below the government’s full-year target of 7 million visitors.
In October, 529,391 foreign tourists visited Indonesia, up from 436,300 a year ago, and compared to 501,018 in June.
“The rise was partly because of the conflict in Thailand, so this is an opportunity for Indonesia,” said Yanti Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel Association.
“Many people changed their destination as security in Thailand is considered to be unsafe.”
The Thai government imposed emergency rule in early September following violent clashes between pro- and anti-government groups. More recently, the country’s tourism industry has been hit by the occupation of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport by anti-government protesters.
Indonesia’s attractions range from rainforests and beaches to volcanoes and ancient temples. Tourism accounts for 5 percent of gross domestic product, and was severely hit by bombings in Bali and Jakarta, the 2004 tsunami and bird flu.
Reuters