Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging South Korean investors to explore opportunities in Indonesia's wellness tourism industry.

"We offer various investment opportunities, supported by policy commitments, national investment infrastructure, and a tourism sector designed for growth," Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana remarked in a statement on Wednesday.

During her working visit to Seoul on September 8, the minister highlighted Indonesia's wellness industry, emphasizing its potential driven by long-standing sustainable traditions.

According to her, wellness tourism has become a premium experience with high economic growth.

South Korea itself is not only a key market for Indonesian tourism but also a trusted partner with extensive experience and a keen vision for sustainable values.

Wardhana said travelers are also increasingly willing to pay more for authentic, healing, and transformative experiences, where Indonesia is considered strategic to meet this demand.

Based on data from the Global Wellness Institute, the global economic value of the wellness industry reached US$6.32 trillion in 2023. This industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.44 percent through 2029, with a market size approaching US$10 trillion.

The data also states that Indonesia is ranked as the sixth-largest wellness economy in the Asia Pacific and has the third-highest growth rate.

Wardhana said this will add value to wellness tourism in Indonesia, which is enriched by numerous traditions recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, with practices ranging from Javanese healing rituals to authentic Balinese spas.

"This is why more than 23 percent of tourists visiting Bali are looking for wellness as the primary motive. New destinations such as Yogyakarta, Solo, and Sumba in eastern Indonesia are emerging as wellness tourism hubs as well," she addressed.

On the occasion, the minister also offers investment opportunities in ecotourism, marine biodiversity, culture, health, and others.

This includes introducing the advantages of 10 priority tourism destinations and the Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Bali, known for Indonesia's commitment to developing quality medical and healthcare tourism experiences.

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