RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Driven by rising international interest in indoor marine attractions and luxury cruises, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is intensifying its focus on marine tourism. Highlighted by urban aquariums, this initiative coincides with the upcoming school holiday season.

The campaign reflects a shifting travel landscape where global tourists increasingly seek unique, experiential itineraries alongside traditional beach destinations.

“Marine tourism is one of the sectors currently being intensively promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, in addition to gastronomic tourism, wellness, textiles, and others,” said the Ministry’s Deputy for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, in Jakarta on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

To capture this momentum, the ministry recently showcased leading marine and aquarium attractions at the BBWI Travel Fair x BINA Cerita Liburan Sekolah 2026, held at Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya from May 15 to 17. Exhibits such as the Jakarta Aquarium and the Banyuwangi Diving School drew significant crowds, signaling strong market interest.

Since November 2025, the ministry has also integrated these offerings into “MaiA,” its artificial intelligence virtual assistant on the official Indonesia.travel portal. The platform provides comprehensive information on marine and localized attractions.

According to data released by travel booking platform Klook on May 13, 2026, visiting aquariums, embarking on luxury yacht cruises, and joining catamaran tours have become highly sought-after experiences for international visitors to Indonesia.

Beyond marine activities, travelers are also seeking authentic wellness and beauty treatments, outdoor cycling or scooter excursions, and paragliding adventures.

“Indonesia offers an extraordinary and diverse range of experiences, and there is meaning behind this diversity,” said Sarah Wan, Klook’s General Manager for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Klook’s internal data further shows growing demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations. In Indonesia, this trend is driving traffic toward Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, the Gili Islands in West Nusa Tenggara, and Mount Bromo in East Java.

Recognizing these positive growth trends, Wan emphasized that the current climate presents an ideal opportunity to improve infrastructure access and elevate Indonesia’s diverse tourism portfolio globally. This is especially crucial as modern travelers increasingly prioritize seamless, practical, and highly personalized itineraries. ***