Indonesia launches UK tourism push

Indonesia has struck a deal with a visa and technology services specialist as part of a new push to attract UK visitors.

 

The partnership with VFS Global follows the introduction of a new online portal for e-visa on arrival (e-VoA) for UK visitors, launched in January.

 

VFS Global, which provided the e-visa platform, will aid the Indonesia tourist board to tap into growing demand for the destination in the UK and raise awareness of the country and the faster entry process.

 

As well as its visa services business, VFS Global specialises in destination representation and trade support for national tourism authorities.

 

The company is tasked with helping to promote the destination under the tourist board’s Wonderful Indonesia campaign, providing dedicated marketing resources and improving the quality and quantity of tourism marketing through brand partnerships. 

 

The UK is already one of the top source markets for Indonesia with around 340,000 travellers last year and in December arrivals from the UK to Bali jumped 35.4% compared to the previous month.

 

In total Indonesia welcomed 13.9 million arrivals in 2024, a 19% rise on the previous year and the highest number recorded in the past five years, according to the ministry of tourism. The strong performance has encouraged the government to set even more ambitious targets for 2025 of between 14.6 and 16 million arrivals. 

 

VFS Global has been an official partner of the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration since last year and as part of that partnership has created Indonesia’s new e-VoA portal for international arrivals from 97 source markets to provide a ‘quicker and smoother’ visa application prior to travel.

 

The move enables visitors to avoid immigration queues at international airports and sea ports, including Bali and Jakarta.

 

Visitors can apply for the pre-approved digital visa via VFS Global’s website and submit the necessary documents and pay online, receiving their visa before departure. The visa fee for UK visitors is £33.

 

Ni Made Ayu Marthini, deputy minister for marketing, ministry of tourism, Republic of Indonesia, said: “We are excited to join forces with VFS Global in strengthening the Wonderful Indonesia campaign on the global stage.

 

“Through this co-branding agreement, we will amplify our tourism message and leverage VFS Global’s extensive presence in over 160 countries, combined with innovative outreach, to inspire more travellers to experience the beauty and diversity of Indonesia.”

 

Kaushik Ghosh, head of Australasia, VFS Global, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen global awareness of the country’s vibrant tourism offerings.

 

“With over 16 years of experience in tourism-related services, VFS Global brings proven expertise in promoting destinations to a global audience.

 

“Through the promotion of the e-Visa on Arrival, we aim to make travel to Indonesia more seamless, aligning with the ministry of tourism’s 5.0 vision to harness innovation such as artificial intelligence (AI) to improve marketing effectiveness and reach of tourist destinations."