October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta, together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), recently launched a significant initiative to promote Sri Lankan tourism in Indonesia.

 Indonesia, with its $1 trillion GDP, stands as the world’s fourth-most populous country, housing over 270 million people and a fast-growing middle class of 180 million.

 Recognizing the potential of this market, KADIN’s tourism division welcomed the Sri Lankan Embassy’s efforts to introduce Indonesian travel agents to the appeal of Sri Lanka as a travel destination. 

The initiative highlighted Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural attractions, igniting excitement among Indonesians interested in global travel experiences.

Additionally, Indonesia has extended its support to Sri Lankan travel agents to encourage increased tourism exchanges between the two countries. 

In October 2024, the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo welcomed around 150 travel agents from Sri Lanka, including members of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka (IAASL), to Jakarta for their Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

At the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing congratulated the newly appointed leaders of these associations, Shanaka Fernando (TAASL President) and Romesh Samarayanake (IAASL President), acknowledging their roles in fostering stronger tourism ties between the two nations.

Support for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is also coming from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is working to bolster the sector’s resilience and sustainability.

 The ADB’s proposed initiatives are aimed at enhancing policy frameworks to better withstand global shocks while improving institutional structures and streamlining decision-making processes. 

Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, emphasized that these actions are intended to aid Sri Lanka in increasing tourism revenue while safeguarding its natural assets, including conservation areas and whale-watching sites. 

Takeo Konishi, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Regional Department, highlighted the ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka to build a more resilient tourism sector.

The AGM event in Jakarta not only facilitated business discussions but also celebrated cultural exchanges, featuring a performance of the Ondel Lodeh Dance by the Sanggar Bumi Khatulistiwa troupe. 

Supported by Jakarta’s Tourism Departments, the dance captivated attendees, underscoring the cultural synergy between the two countries. 

Following the event, the Sri Lankan travel agents explored various landmarks in Jakarta, including the Sunda Kelapa Harbor, Museum Bahari, and the National Monument (Monas), while savoring local culinary specialties. 

This immersive cultural experience deepened their understanding of Indonesian heritage, strengthening the foundation for future tourism collaborations.

Ambassador Dewi expressed her full support for facilitating visa processes for Sri Lankans interested in visiting Indonesia, ensuring a smoother travel experience and further enhancing bilateral tourism exchanges. 

This collaborative effort between Sri Lanka and Indonesia is poised to open new doors for both nations, fostering mutual economic and cultural benefits through expanded travel connections.