According to reporting from Antara News, adventure tourism is emerging as one of the fastest-growing global travel trends, with visitors seeking not only leisure but also challenging and authentic experiences tied to culture, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism said Tuesday (16/9/25).
Speaking at the National Conference of the Indonesian Adventure Travel Trade Association (IATTA), Deputy Assistant for Industry Management Budi Supriyanto said Indonesia holds vast potential as a world-class destination, with mountains, seas, forests and cultural sites suitable for adventure products.
He noted Indonesia’s recognition as Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards has strengthened the country’s standing in the region, says Antara News.
Adventure tourism, he said, can boost local economies, create jobs and play a strategic role in building policies that support sustainable and responsible travel. The ministry is urging operators to secure business licenses and adopt tourism certification standards to help mitigate potential risks.
Adventure activities, he added, encourage sustainable practices that protect the environment and respect local cultures. Challenges include ensuring safety, conserving natural resources and improving the professionalism of tourism workers.
Antara News says that Budi called for collaboration among government, industry and communities to ensure growth delivers broad benefits, adding that he also stressed the tourism sector’s importance to Indonesia’s economy, saying it contributes significantly to gross domestic product and helps maintain resilience amid global uncertainty.
As of June 2025, foreign tourist arrivals had increased 9.44 percent from a year earlier, while domestic travel was up 25.93 percent, he said.
However, Budi acknowledged that only about half of travelers stayed in licensed accommodations, citing data from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association. He said this issue needs to be addressed to maximize economic gains.
Source: Antara News
Stock photo by Herbert Brändle on Pexels
