Batam, part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, welcomed a slight increase in foreign tourists in August 2023, with Singaporeans taking the lead.

In August 2023, Batam’s foreign visitor count reached 95,242, a modest rise from July’s 95,063, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

Singaporean tourists dominated the scene with 53,719 visits, contributing to 56.40% of the total August foreign visitors.

Other top visiting nationalities included Malaysians (16,485), Indians (3,565), Chinese (2,424), and Filipinos (2,250). The list continues with visitors from the US, Japan, Australia, the UK, and Germany.

Despite Malaysians ranking second, BPS head Aguskadaryanto highlighted a significant 18.40% surge in their arrivals compared to the previous month.

Aiming high, the Batam government has set its eyes on attracting 1.5 million tourists by the end of 2023. As of July 2023, the city had already seen 757,657 visits.

Efforts to boost visitor numbers are in full swing. Batam’s tourism department is pushing the 3A concept: Accessibility, Amenities, and Attractions. Infrastructure improvements and the launch of new amenities like shopping malls and attractions, including cultural and natural sites, are underway.

The growing appeal of Batam as a travel destination, particularly for Singaporeans, showcases the island’s potential in the regional tourism market. With improvements in infrastructure and amenities, and unique attractions on offer, Singaporeans, and indeed all international visitors, can anticipate an enriched travel experience in Batam.

Batam sees a slight rise in foreign tourists in August 2023, dominated by Singaporeans. Efforts are underway to attract more visitors, with the city targeting 1.5 million tourists by year-end, backed by infrastructure improvements and the 3A tourism strategy.

Source : Kompas.com, Caping.com (2023)