JAKARTA: Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno highlighted that Bali is becoming increasingly attractive for Indian tourists as a preferred destination to host wedding ceremonies, reported Antara news agency.
At the Jakarta Futures Forum here on Thursday (May 2), Sandiaga remarked that Indian tourists find it cheaper to hold wedding receptions in Bali.
"Indian couples who get married in Bali say that Bali's attraction is not only in its scenery and culture but also is cheaper for them," Sandiaga said.
Getting married in Bali, despite having to prepare flights and the wedding venue, is an economical alternative for Indian citizens as compared to preparing a wedding banquet in their country where the number of guests there can reach five thousand.
The minister explained that Indian couples who were looking to get married in Indonesia were among the Indian tourists in 2023 that ranked second for most travellers in Bali after Australian visitors.
Meanwhile, he said, super-priority tourism destinations (DPSP) currently being developed by the government can provide more choices for foreign nationals, especially Indians, who are keen on holding a wedding in Indonesia.
Sandiaga said Lake Toba in North Sumatra could also be an attractive option for Indian tourists looking to get married in Indonesia.
"I think this is a crucial time to develop new tourism destinations other than Bali, such as Lake Toba, which is closer to India," he stated.
He added that Indonesia sees a potential for tourism cooperation with India, and has been encouraged to increase direct flights from India to various Indonesian destinations.
Sandiaga remarked that programming and computer experts from India also bring benefits to Indonesia's creative economy sector, especially in the digital economy sector. - Bernama-Antara
