"Besides promoting our tourist destinations, the event embodies the spirit of connectedness, collaboration, and innovation, with the potential to improve the domestic aviation industry," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Sumadi praised the 2024 WITF and SEABEF, which were initiated by the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
He noted that the event could enhance the country’s aviation sector by attracting more tourists to visit Indonesia.
Sumadi emphasized that for any country, the travel industry represents resilience and opportunity in an ever-changing world.
He also highlighted the importance of the event in tapping into Indonesia's potential, especially as the country faces several challenges in the aviation sector, both domestically and globally.
Some of these challenges, he explained, include rising fuel costs, global supply chain disruptions that limit aircraft availability amid growing demand, and public expectations for affordable airfares.
He expressed hope that industry leaders, experts, and participants would collaborate to address these challenges.
"Our goal is to improve air connectivity through 17 international airports to support a successful, responsible, and inclusive Indonesian tourism industry," Sumadi added.
WITF is a B2B exhibition connecting Indonesian sellers with international buyers, with 195 buyers from 38 countries participating.
Meanwhile, SEABEF will discuss key issues in the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and business events in the ASEAN region, particularly in Indonesia.
The event takes place from October 2–4 in Jakarta.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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