Urban tourism trend to grow alongside improved accessibility

The trend of urban tourism or short-distance travel within cities is expected to continue growing alongside improved public accessibility, according to Abimantra Pradhana, founder of the urban exploration platform SANA Kenal Kota. “Accessibility refers to how easily residents can reach a point or walk and move around the city,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday. He cited the development of transportation modes in Jakarta, such as the MRT and the expanding Transjakarta bus network, which have made it easier to reach various areas over the past five to six years. “Now we are seeing the MRT being extended to Kota Tua. Imagine, in three years we will be able to go to Glodok with just one MRT ride, something we cannot imagine now. But we will experience it. It will keep developing,” he added. This improved accessibility is also creating new opportunities, with many young entrepreneurs opening businesses around areas like MRT stations, encouraging the growth of new districts with diverse and attractive destinations. The author of ‘Kenal Kota: Transisi Jakarta’ also observed that both local and international tourists are seeking shared experiences such as culinary delights and cultural richness encompassing history, art, music, and creative products. “Interestingly, sports tourism is emerging, where people visit a city not to shop but to run a marathon. This is exciting for Indonesia going forward, as sport can become a starting point or gateway for tourism to develop,” he said.