RRI.CO.ID, Singapore - The Ministry of Tourism continues to strengthen Indonesia’s presence in the international market through its participation in the NATAS Travel Fair 2026, organized by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS). Assistant Deputy for International Tourism Marketing I at the Ministry, Dedi Ahmad Kurnia, stated in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that Singapore is a highly strategic market for Indonesia’s tourism sector.

“Singapore is not only one of our key markets, but also a major travel hub that significantly influences outbound travel trends across ASEAN. Indonesia’s participation in NATAS Travel Fair 2026 is a strategic move to ensure the country remains prominent, accessible, and relevant to Singaporean travelers. Through the theme ‘Go Beyond Ordinary,’ we present Indonesia not just as a destination, but as a meaningful experience aligned with evolving traveler preferences,” Dedi said.

The largest travel exhibition in Singapore took place from March 27–29, 2026, at Halls 4 and 5 of the Singapore Expo.

At the event, the Wonderful Indonesia Pavilion spanned 54 square meters and carried the theme “Go Beyond Ordinary.” The Ministry collaborated with eight leading tourism industry players, including travel agencies and hotels, to offer competitive flagship tour packages.

This participation serves as a strategic effort to encourage Singaporean tourists to see Indonesia not merely as a holiday destination, but as a collection of deep and meaningful experiences.

The pavilion highlighted several key attractions, including special interest tourism such as culinary experiences through Wonderful Indonesia Gourmet, health and wellness tourism through Wonderful Indonesia Wellness, marine tourism, traditional textiles (wastra), and Muslim-friendly tourism.

In addition, the Ministry promoted priority destinations and regenerative tourism concepts that emphasize environmental sustainability, including the introduction of the 10 Priority Tourism Destinations such as Labuan Bajo and Mandalika.

To support digital transformation, the Ministry also introduced Tourism 5.0 technology through MaiA (Meticulous Artificial Intelligence of Indonesia), an AI-based travel assistant designed to help tourists plan their trips digitally.

This momentum was also used to promote several new direct flight routes from Singapore to various cities in Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo (since December 2025), Semarang and Palembang (since January 2026), Medan (since February 2026), and Tanjung Pandan that will be scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Indonesia’s participation in NATAS Travel Fair 2026 is projected to generate potential transactions of up to USD 272,371.45 (approximately IDR 4.3 billion), with an estimated additional 725 international tourist arrivals.

The Ministry also aims for Indonesia’s presence at the event to reach more than 100,000 exhibition visitors, while increasing international tourist spending that directly contributes to strengthening the creative economy across regions.

As one of the key aviation and trade hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore plays a crucial role in shaping outbound travel patterns in ASEAN and globally.

Indonesia’s participation in NATAS Travel Fair 2026 further underscores its strategic efforts to bring the country closer to Singaporean tourists and tourism industry players, while strengthening its position as a leading destination in the region.