According to H. Krisnamurthi, the Indonesian ambassador in New Delhi, India and Indonesia have become two of the few countries with rapid economic growth in recent years. In the future, stronger ties between India and Indonesia will be advantageous for both nations as well as for the region and the entire world, she added.

Speaking at the “2nd FICCI Outbound Tourism Summit,” Ambassador Krisnamurthi noted that there are many opportunities for travellers from India and Indonesia to visit stunning locations in different states, provinces, and cities. Establishing constant, continuous, and sustainable direct air traffic between the two countries is necessary. We must also consider creating a niche market for the exchange of visitors from Indonesia to India. In addition to other theme-based tourism plans, such as thematic tourism of the Ramayana and Mahabharat, health, education, etc., India and Indonesia should work on establishing ‘RICH’ – Religious, Cultural, Social, and History theme, she emphasised.

She went on to say that we can overcome the difficulties facing the tourism industry by working together. Krisnamurthi continued, “A law of partnership between India and Indonesia will serve as the foundation for many building blocks of cooperation.

She highlighted Indonesian tourism by stating that 16 million tourists visited the country in 2019 and that 4.2 million people would visit in 2022. She claimed that Indonesia offers more than Bali, despite the fact that Bali has already become a dream vacation spot for Indians. Through the luxury segment, we also work to adapt to a wider range of potential markets. A number of carefully selected locations are prepared,” she emphasised.

Speaking about the policy changes made by the Indonesian government to entice more Indian tourists, Krisnamurthi said that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is still putting three strategies into practise to expand and develop the tourism sector. “These include innovation, adaptation, and teamwork through co-branding and joint advertising. Additionally, we have a lax visa policy that includes a second home policy, visa on arrivals, and visa exemption. Visa on arrival and e-visa on arrival with a minimum fee of Rs 2,700 have made entering Indonesia easier for Indian tourists, she said.

Ankush Nijhawan, Chairman, FICCI Outbound Tourism Committee, Co-Founder, TBO.com, and MD, Nijhawan Group, predicted that by 2026, India will sell more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition) travel than any other country in the world. India has the potential to develop into a major cruise hub, and the number of visitors leaving the country increases every year.

The event saw the release of the FICCI-Nangia Andersen Knowledge Paper, “Unlock the Potential: A Look into Outbound Tourism.”

Poonam Kaura, Partner- Government & Public Sector Advisory- Nangia Andersen LLP, and Dipak Deva, Chairman, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee & MD, SITA, TCI & Distant Frontier, also provided their perspectives on outbound travel.
Source- Travel daily
Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/india-indonesia-should-establish-rich-religious-cultural-history-theme-based-tourism-plan/