JAKARTA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia aims to attract 19.1 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2027, up from a target of 16 million to 17.6 million in 2026, as the government seeks to boost tourism revenue through the development of six tourism-focused special economic zones (SEZs), a senior minister said Wednesday.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the government also targets around 24 billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange earnings from international tourism in 2026.
"That is equivalent to the value of palm oil exports," Airlangga said at a coordination meeting in Jakarta.
The six tourism-focused SEZs are Mandalika, Kura Kura Bali, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Lesung, Lido and Likupang.
The government expects the zones to attract more tourists and investment through destination development, tourism events and stronger promotional efforts.
For 2027, Mandalika is expected to attract 1.6 million visitors, supported in part by the MotoGP motorcycle racing event, while Tanjung Lesung aims to draw 1.5 million visitors.
Airlangga called for intensified domestic and international promotion of the six zones to help achieve the country's tourism targets. ■