Indonesia has underscored ASEAN’s central role in shaping the future of regional tourism, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and competitive growth at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 held in Cebu, the Philippines. The forum marked a significant milestone with the adoption of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030, a strategic roadmap designed to strengthen regional cooperation and elevate ASEAN’s standing in the global tourism market.
The ATSP 2026–2030 serves as a long-term framework for tourism development across Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on enhancing visitor experiences, empowering tourism businesses of all sizes, and promoting environmentally responsible growth. Indonesia views the plan as a shared opportunity for ASEAN member states to build a resilient, people-centered tourism ecosystem capable of adapting to shifting travel patterns and global market dynamics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of ATF 2026, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana highlighted ASEAN’s strategic importance as a key engine of regional travel growth.
“ASEAN is not only Indonesia’s closest market, but also the heart of tourism growth that drives repeat visits, introduces new experiences, and opens shared opportunities across the region,” Widiyanti said, as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Tourism.
The forum also reinforced a broader regional commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco delivered a message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing tourism’s role in expanding economic opportunities while remaining socially and environmentally responsible.
“When tourism is inclusive, it becomes empowering. When policies are implemented with care, it becomes sustainable,” President Marcos stated.
ATF 2026 was held under the theme “Navigating Our Tourism Future, Together,” reflecting ASEAN’s collective vision for long-term tourism development. The theme aligns with the five core pillars of the ATSP 2026–2030: resilient tourism, empowerment of the tourism workforce, accessible and seamless travel, digital tourism with product and market diversification, and sustainable tourism development.
Beyond policy coordination, Indonesia also showcased its national tourism transformation at the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) 2026, one of the region’s largest business-to-business tourism platforms. While inspecting the Indonesian Pavilion, Minister Widiyanti introduced MaiA (Meticulous Artificial Intelligence of Indonesia), a smart tourism platform developed under the Tourism 5.0 initiative and accessible via the official indonesia.travel website.
“Entering 2026, Indonesia’s tourism sector is moving into a new phase of growth and transformation. We are proud to introduce a major milestone in our digital tourism journey through MaiA,” Widiyanti said. She added that the integration of digital innovation with Indonesia’s cultural narratives would strengthen the country’s competitiveness while supporting sustainable, data-driven tourism growth.
ASEAN remains Indonesia’s most important regional market. Official data show that ASEAN countries accounted for 36.5% of international tourist arrivals to Indonesia between January and November 2025, underscoring the region’s critical role in driving short-haul travel, repeat visits, and year-round tourism demand.
With closer collaboration, improved connectivity, and a shared sustainability agenda, Indonesia believes ASEAN tourism is well-positioned to move forward toward a more integrated, resilient, and future-ready regional tourism landscape.
Source: kemenpar.go.id, RRI
Photo Credit: kemenpar.go.id
