Ministry of Tourism's Efforts to Strengthen Belitung's Competitiveness as a Leading Destination

Belitung continues to strengthen its position as one of Indonesia's leading Tourism Destinations. To expand its appeal in the international market, the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), together with the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO), has organized a Familiarization Trip (Famtrip).

This program, held 31 May to 3 June 2026, forms part of the strategy to directly showcase the potential of Belitung Tourism to travel and tourism industry practitioners. This initiative also leverages the launch of the direct Flight Route between Singapore and Belitung operated by Scoot Airlines.

"We commend ASTINDO for actively promoting Indonesian Destinations through this Famtrip and collaborative work with all relevant stakeholders," stated Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, on Monday.

According to Made, the launch of direct flights from Singapore opens major opportunities for Belitung to attract more International Tourists. Improved accessibility is a critical factor that drives destination competitiveness within the global tourism industry landscape.

The Famtrip invited selected travel and tourism industry professionals to experience first-hand Belitung's full potential both as a Tourism Destination and as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) host location.

Belitung offers a complete combination of attractions: iconic coastal panoramas and clustered island formations, rich living local culture, and distinctive regional culinary offerings. Participants were also introduced to supporting facilities suitable for hosting both national and international scale MICE events.

Throughout the program, participants explored Belitung's flagship tourist sites. This on-ground experience is designed to build deeper international market awareness of the region, renowned for its dramatic granite coastline.

Through this Famtrip, the Ministry of Tourism aims to support the development of innovative, competitive tour packages that will encourage International Tourists to visit Belitung. Diverse, high Quality Tourism products are considered essential to solidify the destination's position amid global market competition.

Made emphasized that all tourism stakeholders must utilize the new direct Scoot Airlines Flight Route optimally.

As access to Belitung improves, opportunities for increased Overseas Tourist Arrivals will grow significantly. Positive impacts will be felt not only within the tourism sector, but across all supporting local economic industries.

Higher visitor volumes are expected to generate new formal and informal employment, stimulate growth for community owned businesses, and strengthen the local economy through properly managed Sustainable Tourism activity.

Meanwhile, ASTINDO Central Executive Board Chair Pauline Suharno noted that ease of access remains a defining factor for destination appeal and competitiveness in the fast moving global tourism industry.

"Improved connectivity will cement Belitung's position as a competitive regional tourism and MICE destination," Pauline stated.

Through ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, ASTINDO, aviation operators and local business stakeholders, Belitung is positioned to compete successfully on the global stage.