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THE MINISTRY of Tourism is trying to attract more tourists from China to the Labuan Bajo and Bali areas by facilitating travel agent representatives and tour operators to develop tourism service packages that suit the preferences of tourists from the Bamboo Curtain Country.
A number of leading travel agents and tour operators from China on 19–25 October 2026 were invited to explore the leading tourist destinations Labuan Bajo and Bali in the Familiarization Trip activity so they could design and market tourist service packages that would be attractive to Chinese tourists.
“We hope that the participants can design and market Indonesian tour packages that are increasingly competitive and in line with the preferences of Chinese tourists,” said Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, in a ministry press release confirmed on Wednesday.
In the introductory trip activity, seven representatives of travel agents and tour operators from China were invited to stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, a five-star resort at the gate of Komodo National Park, and enjoyed a banquet while watching the sunset from the AYANA Lako Sae ship which took them to Kalong Island.
Participants also had the opportunity to experience riding a pinisi boat and snorkeling on Kelor Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach and Komodo Island.
Next, they took part in a business meeting with 14 tourism industry players including airlines, accommodation providers and travel agents in an event supported by the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency and the West Manggarai Regency Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Office.
“Labuan Bajo is the main highlight of this famtrip, in line with the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to expand the distribution of foreign tourist visits to priority destinations outside Bali,” said Made.
“With the spirit of Go Beyond Ordinary, Indonesia emphasizes its position as a destination where nature, culture and hospitality combine, providing an unforgettable journey,” he added.
From Labuan Bajo, the Familiarization Trip activity participants continued their journey to Bali, where China Southern Airlines provides direct flight services on the Guangzhou–Denpasar route.
They stayed at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud in Bali and had the opportunity to enjoy spa treatments at Heavenly Spa by Westin and experience the culinary richness of the Island of the Gods.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the number of Chinese tourist visits to Indonesia throughout 2025 will reach 1.34 million, making China the country of origin for the fourth largest number of foreign tourists after Malaysia, Australia and Singapore.
From January to August 2026, the number of Chinese tourist visits to Indonesia reached 1.054 million, an increase of 16.46% from 905,002 visits in the same period the previous year. [traveltext.id]
