Indonesia's tourism industry keeps growing in importance for the national economy. In the first half of this year, it earned 8.43 billion dollars in foreign exchange. That result is three percent higher than a year earlier. Southeast Asia's largest economy also welcomed 7.45 million foreign visitors in just six months. That was its strongest first half since the Covid pandemic began.
The country is aiming for 16 to 17 million international arrivals this year. Last year, tourism brought in 18.27 billion dollars in foreign exchange. A deputy tourism minister called the sector an important driver of economic growth. However, she said this growth also brings responsibility for everyone working in tourism. The new goal is higher-quality travel that also protects the environment.