JAKARTA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is prioritizing the development of globally competitive wellness tourism as part of its broader strategy to promote quality tourism, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said Thursday.
"Wellness tourism has been designated as one of our priorities in developing quality tourism," Wardhana told a press conference in Jakarta, adding that the ministry would continue to support events combining sports, tourism and healthy lifestyles.
She said more travelers were seeking to step away from their daily routines, focus on the present and pursue more meaningful experiences.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, Wardhana said a countertrend was emerging, with people attaching greater value to authentic experiences, genuine interaction and destinations that evoke emotions and leave lasting impressions.
"Extreme AI is creating extreme analog. This trend is reflected in the growth of the experience economy, including the fitness and wellness sector, which has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world," she said.
Citing data from the Global Wellness Institute, Wardhana said the global wellness economy reached 6.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024 and was projected to grow to 9.75 trillion dollars by 2029.
The ministry will continue promoting events that integrate sports, tourism and healthy lifestyles, she added. ■