The enforcement of Visa on Arrival (VoA) charges for non-ASEAN tourists has significantly impacted Batam’s tourism sector, with a stark decrease in South Korean visitors, prompting calls for policy relaxation to stimulate tourism recovery.
Batam’s tourism sector is facing challenges due to the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy, which has led to a significant drop in visits from non-ASEAN countries, particularly South Korea.
Tour and Travel representatives from Korea report a tenfold decrease in tourist arrivals from South Korea due to the VoA policy, highlighting the policy’s detrimental impact on visitor numbers.
Jadi Raja Gukguk, Head of Batam’s Chamber of Commerce, acknowledges the challenges faced by the tourism sector due to VoA, emphasizing the need for policy adjustments to facilitate tourist arrivals as before.
VoA presents a significant burden for tourists intending to visit Batam, contributing to a decline in tourism, especially post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
The tourism industry stakeholders in Batam, during a meeting with the Director General of Immigration, discussed potential solutions to simplify visitor entry to Batam, highlighting the city’s position as the second-largest contributor to Indonesia’s tourist numbers.
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Dirjen Imigrasi, Silmy Karim, responded to the concerns by proposing a 50% reduction in VoA fees to the Ministry of Finance, aiming to make Batam a more attractive and affordable destination.
The stringent VoA regulations have adversely affected Batam’s tourism industry, with a notable decline in South Korean visitors. The call for policy relaxation by the city’s Chamber of Commerce and tourism stakeholders reflects the urgent need for measures that can rejuvenate the industry, offering potential benefits for Singaporeans and international visitors seeking affordable, quality destinations.
The Visa on Arrival policy in Batam has led to a dramatic decline in tourist visits, particularly from South Korea, posing significant challenges for the local tourism industry. The Batam Chamber of Commerce and tourism representatives are advocating for policy changes to revive the sector, including potential VoA fee reductions, to enhance Batam’s appeal as a tourist destination.
