"(The year-end holiday) will contribute Rp80 to Rp120 trillion to the economy," Uno remarked after inspecting the readiness of the Pantjoran PIK tourist destination here on Tuesday (December 26).
According to the ministry's projection, the number of visitors to tourism destinations during the Christmas and New Year holidays could reach 107 million to 110 million.
Meanwhile, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) estimated 200 million to 250 million movements of domestic tourists, with expenditure per tourist reaching Rp2.4 million-Rp2.5 million.
Uno expressed hope that the movement of domestic tourists would be a significant economic driver, in line with the government's efforts to achieve growth above five percent and the creation of 4.4 million new jobs in the tourism and creative economy sectors.
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"This is very much needed because we want Indonesia's growth to reach above five percent and open 4.4 million new jobs in the tourism and the creative economy sectors in 2024," Uno stated.
Hence, he encouraged people to make the most of the local tourism destinations as an alternative amid the surge in COVID-19 cases abroad.
The minister stated that Indonesian destinations provide unique culinary experiences and visiting them can support the local economy.
"I also recommend the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Park, which is a new face that is exciting and the concept is green, inclusive, and smart," Uno remarked.
He also urged travelers to apply health protocols amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in some ASEAN countries.
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Translator: M Harianto, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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