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THE INDONESIAN Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with Air New Zealand held introductory tourism activities for relevant stakeholders to promote Indonesian tourism and creative economy to the New Zealand market.
According to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, in his statement, in Jakarta, Thursday (03/29), 2023 explained that this collaboration program was established in order to welcome the re-operation of the Auckland-Denpasar route by Air New Zealand after a three-year vacuum due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are targeting an increase in the number and quality of foreign tourists, while respecting local communities, increasing length of stay, exploring destinations, and encouraging more spending,” Sandiaga said.
The New Zealand market itself is indeed potential for Indonesian tourism. Data before the pandemic showed that the average length of stay of New Zealand tourists was around 10.13 days and the average spending per arrival (ASPA) touched US$1,376. This figure is equivalent to European tourists who are famous for spending while traveling.
Meanwhile, the Deputy of Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, hopes that in the next phase New Zealand tourists will not only stop at Bali. Through the ‘Bali Add-on’ campaign we also invite all tourists to add one other island destination on their next visit, such as Labuan Bajo, Mandalika Lombok, and Borobudur which are relatively close to Bali in proximity.
This is a form of follow-up to President Jokowi’s direction to promote the 5 DSP (Super Priority Destinations) to the focus market of foreign tourists and domestic tourists.
Ni Made also emphasized the importance of connectivity aspects for the recovery of the tourism sector. “Demand to Indonesia is increasing rapidly. And we are working with foreign airline partners such as Air New Zealand to reopen routes and fill passenger capacity at least to pre-pandemic levels,” Made said.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty said Bali is a destination that is suitable for various types of tourists. Whether looking for the warmth of tropical beaches, families looking for adventure or couples craving a romantic and peaceful setting.
“Bali is one of our most popular routes, with over 17,000 travelers flying into Denpasar in 2019. We’re excited to reconnect Kiwis with this top vacation destination, which was the last international seasonal route we re-opened post-pandemic,” Leanne said.
The collaboration program themed “Wellness & Sustainability” consists of three major media in New Zealand, namely the New Zealand Herald, Stuff, Newshub and one Air New Zealand in-house media, Kia Ora Magazine.
The activity, which took place on March 29-April 2, 2023, was packaged in thematic tourism activities to provide first-hand experience of different Bali destinations after the pandemic. In this introductory tour program, participants were taken on a waste tour and wellness experience. From yoga classes, making herbal medicine, to sound healing at Potato Head Village.
In addition, they were also taken to explore the Bangli region with the famous Tukad Cepung Waterfall which is very photogenic as the main destination.
Then, it would not be complete to visit Bali without experiencing a touch of its culture. Therefore, the participants were invited to trace the life cycle of Balinese people from birth to death with various rituals and traditional ceremonies at Samsara Living Museum, Karangasem. Cultural treats that are no less interesting are of course the experience of watching the kecak dance against the background of the sunset at Uluwatu.
There are also cooking class activities, as an effort to support the Indonesia Spice Up The World program, the hope is that through this activity exposure to Indonesian spices and gastronomy will be highlighted in the writings, articles, or news produced by the participants as a form of contribution to participation in this collaboration program.
In order for this contribution to be optimal, Kemenparekraf seeks to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and get the best service typical of Indonesia, especially Bali.
This journey full of pleasant experiences will be closed perfectly through the best spa treatments. As well as the experience of staying at classy accommodation, Alila Manggis Karangasem with enchanting natural panoramas.
For the re-operation of the Auckland-Denpasar (round-trip) route itself will use flight code NZ 64 / NZ 65 with a fleet of 787-9 Dreamliner wide body aircraft with a capacity of 302 seats will start operating first on March 29, 2023 until this seasonal route ends on October 27, 2023.
The flight frequency is three times a week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday with an estimated time of arrival in Denpasar at 16.20 WITA and departure at 17.30 WITA. [traveltext.id]
