Foreign Tourist Visits to Aceh Increase Throughout 2025

RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh –  According to the Aceh Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the number of foreign tourists visiting Aceh in December 2025 was 4,836. This figure increased by 33.15 percent compared to November 2025, when there were only 3,632 visits.

This surge in visits indicates a positive trend in Aceh's tourism sector at the end of the year. This surge was also influenced by improved connectivity and promotion of regional tourist destinations.

"On an annual basis, foreign tourist visits in December 2025 also increased by 28.31 percent. This figure is higher than the same period in December 2024," said Tasdik Ilhamudin, Acting Head of Aceh BPS on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Tasdik said that from January to December 2025, the total number of foreign tourist visits to Aceh reached 46,325. This number represents a significant increase of 35.86 percent compared to the 34,097 visits recorded in January–December 2024.

This increase reflects foreign tourists' confidence in Aceh's security and attractiveness. Various cultural and religious tourism events are believed to have contributed to the increase in visitor interest.

The largest number of foreign tourists visiting Aceh came from Malaysia, with 33,679 visitors throughout 2025. Singapore came in second with 714 visitors. Australia came in third with 588 tourists.

Foreign tourists visiting Aceh entered through two main entry points: Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport and Sabang International Port. These access points are strategic routes for foreign tourists to Aceh. Air and sea transportation are vital to supporting visitor flow.

Meanwhile, the occupancy rate of star-rated hotels in Aceh was 27.53 percent in December 2025. This figure decreased by 3.74 percentage points compared to November 2025, when the occupancy rate was 31.27 percent.

However, the growing number of foreign tourists is expected to stimulate the recovery of the hotel sector. The local administration and tourism businesses are expected to continue collaborating to strengthen Aceh's competitiveness as an international tourist destination. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)