Ep 174: Travel Takes off in Indonesia, with Pauline Suharno, ASTINDO

“Indonesians seem like they want to travel everywhere, as long as there are flights. If the flight ticket to a longer haul destination is too expensive, they just switch destination.”

Indonesia is the biggest country with the biggest population and biggest travel market in South East Asia - and travel activity is booming. So this week, Gary welcomes Pauline Suharno, Director of Jakarta-based Elok Tours and President of ASTINDO, the Indonesian Travel Agents Association, to discuss developments in travel and tourism to, from and across Indonesia.

Good timing, too, as the nation prepares for an extended Lebaran (Eid) holiday with domestic and outbound flights fully booked. Where are the hot destinations for Indonesian travellers? We discuss the impact of high air fares on destination choice, and on inbound tourism to popular spots like Bali.

Plus we get the latest lowdown on Indonesia’s 5 Super Priority Destinations, and a last-minute price increase for tourists at a popular national park in Labuan Bajo.

Finally, with President Joko Widodo encouraging Indonesians to explore more of their own country, Pauline explains the large volume forecast for domestic travellers over the upcoming holidays.