Indonesia Tourist Expenditure in 2024

Indonesia Tourism Rebounds

After years of COVID-19 restrictions, Indonesia’s tourism industry is finally showing signs of recovery. According to the latest data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), international tourists spent record amounts in Indonesia in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the total number of visitors to the country growing significantly compared to the previous year. These figures provide a clear indication of the recovery of the tourism sector and Indonesia’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.

International Tourist Spending

• In 2024, international tourists spent an average of IDR 22.86 million (approx. US$1,390) per trip to Indonesia. Not only does this represent a significant increase compared to previous years, but it is also the highest tourist spending in the country’s history. The largest share of this spending, at 57.49%, was on accommodation, food and beverages, highlighting the importance of the hotel and restaurant industry to Indonesia’s tourism economy.
• In 2024, the total number of international tourists visiting Indonesia reached 13.9 million, an increase of 19.05% compared to 2023, when the country received 10.91 million tourists. The leading countries in terms of the number of tourists to Indonesia in 2024 were Malaysia (2.27 million visits), Australia (1.67 million), and Singapore (1.40 million).
• Although Malaysian tourists led in terms of the number of visits, their average expenditure per trip was among the lowest, at about $693. On the other hand, tourists from Switzerland showed the highest average expenditure per trip, at $2,194. They were followed by tourists from the United States with $2,182 and Austria with $2,175. These data highlight the importance of attracting tourists from high-spending countries to maximize the economic benefits of tourism.

Tourism Recovery from the Pandemic and Development Prospects

Tourism continues to play a significant role in Indonesia’s economy, contributing to the growth of various sectors including hospitality, restaurants, transportation, and retail. The recovery of the tourism industry from the pandemic is important for the country’s overall economic development.
Although the data for 2024 shows a positive trend, Indonesia’s tourism industry is still in the process of recovering from the pandemic. The current figures, despite a significant increase compared to the previous year, have not yet reached the level of 2019, when the country received 16.1 million tourists. This indicates the need for further efforts to attract tourists and develop infrastructure for the industry to fully recover.

To further develop Indonesia’s tourism industry, there are several key areas to focus on:

1. Marketing and Promotion — An active marketing campaign aimed at attracting tourists from high-spending countries can significantly increase the economic benefits of tourism.
2. Infrastructure — Improving tourism infrastructure, including transportation networks, hotels, and attractions, will make Indonesia a more attractive destination for international travelers.
3. Sustainable Tourism — Implementing sustainable tourism principles that protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage can increase Indonesia’s appeal to ecotourists and tourists who value authentic experiences.
4. Improving Service Quality — Investing in staff training and raising service standards in the tourism industry will help create a superior visitor experience and increase visitor satisfaction.

In summary, the BPS data for Q4 2024 paints an optimistic picture for Indonesia’s tourism industry. The increase in visitor numbers and their expenditure indicates the country’s growing attractiveness as a tourism destination and the sector’s gradual recovery from global pandemic-related restrictions. However, a full recovery and further development of tourism will require targeted efforts in marketing, improving infrastructure, implementing sustainable tourism principles, and improving service quality. With the right approach, the tourism industry can become a key driver of Indonesia’s economic growth in the coming years.