Kepri has seen a significant uptick in the influx of both domestic and foreign tourists. The local government, recognizing this trend, is now advocating for more comprehensive visa exemptions to further boost these numbers.
Mulyadi Tan, Chairperson of the National Tourism Association (Asparnas) DPD Kepri, highlighted that the region has seen a substantial increase in tourist visits. The Statistics Agency (BPS) has released data showing a whopping 655% increase in foreign tourists’ visits compared to the same period the previous year.
Mulyadi notes that the overall trend of foreign tourists visiting Kepri is positive. Particularly during weekends, hotel occupancy rates in major tourist areas like Bintan and Batam are impressive, averaging about 80%.
Highlighting the occasional dip in the number of tourists in certain months, Mulyadi considers this natural. Tourism generally sees fluctuations depending on holidays and festive seasons like Chinese New Year, school breaks, Christmas, and Eid.
The local government, along with various stakeholders, have been proactive in maintaining Kepri’s appeal to tourists. This includes organizing events with the goal of promoting the region, and their efforts seem to be bearing fruit with the continuous rise in tourist visits.
Kepri’s Governor, Ansar Ahmad, has been actively involved in efforts to enhance the tourist influx. One such initiative is advocating for visa exemptions for tourists coming to Kepri, expanding beyond the current ASEAN member states that enjoy visa-free visits and the 92 nations eligible for VoA (Visa on Arrival).
According to Governor Ansar, discussions about visa exemptions for tourists, specifically in the Kepri region, have been ongoing, involving the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Directorate General of Immigration, and the Ministry of Finance. He hopes for a favorable decision that considers both national revenue and tourism promotion.
These developments in Kepri indicate a more accessible and tourist-friendly destination in the offing. Broader visa exemptions can simplify travel plans, positioning Kepri as an even more attractive spot for weekend getaways and extended vacations.
Kepri’s soaring tourism numbers have prompted local officials, including Governor Ansar Ahmad, to push for more extensive visa exemptions. With hotel occupancy rates indicating strong tourism trends, Kepri aims to further simplify travel for international guests, potentially drawing in even larger crowds.
Source : Batam Pos (2023)
