The annual ASTINDO Travel Fair returned with strong public enthusiasm, drawing up to 28,000 visitors on Saturday, 22 February. According to Pauline Suharno, chairman of the Indonesian Travel Agent Association (ASTINDO), ticket sales saw a 14% increase compared to last year’s event.
“We are still compiling data from tour packages, cruises, and other categories, but we estimate the total increase could be around 18%,” Suharno shared with Travel Weekly Asia.
Japan emerged as the most sought-after destination, with interest growing even higher this year. One of the key reasons for this surge is the anticipation surrounding the Osaka Expo 2025, scheduled from April to October. The Expo will showcase unique cultural and technological achievements from countries and corporations, further driving demand for visits to Japan.
Other popular destinations include China, Taiwan, and Europe. Notably, there has been increased interest in visiting the Holy Door in Rome, Italy, which is only open once a year.
The 2025 fair’s tagline, “more airlines, more destinations, more options”, saw the participation of 19 National Tourist Organisations (NTOs), primarily from Asia. Taiwan and Sarawak, Malaysia, have been consistent participants since the fair's debut in 2011, recognising Indonesia as a key market.
“They stay consistent because they understand Indonesia is a big market. They know the demand is here,” Suharno explained.
Sarawak, for instance, now offers five direct flights per week to Kuching, the capital, up from just three previously. Similarly, Taiwan’s presence at the fair has contributed to a surge in interest, helped by direct flights from three airlines: China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux.
“This is a great example of strong collaboration between a country and its airlines,” said Suharno.
ASTINDO Travel Fair continues to encourage outbound tourism, with many visitors opting to travel abroad due to high domestic airfare prices. “It seems like 90% to 95% of visitors are leaning towards going abroad instead of spending heavily on domestic travel,” Suharno revealed.
However, ASTINDO has not neglected domestic tourism. The fair provides free spaces for the Ministry of Tourism and local travel agents to promote Indonesian destinations.
“ASTINDO Travel Fair has secured sponsorship funding, which it can use to support both domestic and inbound tourism,” Suharno added. She also noted that the challenge remains: “Indonesia is undeniably beautiful, with amazing destinations, but the ticket prices just aren’t competitive.”