The global economic crisis that occurred in Europe and the United States gave Indonesia the impact on tourism, although not too large. In 2009, a decrease in the number of tourist arrivals (tourists) who arrived in Indonesia.
Europe is being hit crisis. Need to work hard, but for the short term can target China and Russia.
- Mari Pangestu

"But in 2010, we experienced an increase of 6.6 percent and in 2011 at 4.5 percent," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu at the National Tourism Conference in Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta, Art (5 / 12/2011).

He added in last July, the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia reached its highest level during the last three years. In addition, the growth of tourism in Indonesia is above the world average. "This shows Indonesia as an attractive tourism destinations in the world," said Mari.

Let's explain a shift in peak season or peak season trip that usually happens in August and December, moved into in July and December. "This shift in peak season relation to each area how to set up a tourist destination," he said.

According to Mari, the peak season for each different type of tourist. For example, such as China and Taiwan have a peak season in February because the Lunar holiday. "Europe is being hit crisis. It should be hard work, but for the short term could be eyeing China and Russia," said Mari.

According to him, the visit of tourists from Russia and China experienced growth above 10 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, the spending of Chinese tourists has increased.

"This shows the Chinese tourists are no longer the lower classes, but towards the middle income. The Russian tourists, it is definitely long stay (stay longer) and the big spenders (spending a lot)," he explained.

He hoped that the increase is not just the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, but also foreign tourists in Indonesia longer trips as well as foreign tourists each spending more and more. "Now foreign tourists spending 1,000 U.S. dollars, we expect to go up," said Mari.

Besides China, tourists from countries in the Middle East region also experienced an increase in the number of visits to Indonesia. Therefore, it would target tourists from China, Russia and the Middle East to cover tourists from Europe and the United States which has decreased due to the global crisis. Tourists from Europe and America is known as the tourists who visited Indonesia in a long time and spend money with a lot.

"Indonesia is still known as value for money, our prices include hotel is still considered cheap compared to other countries. So tourists from Europe and America is still tight, despite the crisis remains strong. At least they are spending more reduced," said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Nirwandar.

Sapta revealed in 2012, targeting a number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia at 8 million. While in 2011, the target of 7.7 million foreign tourists visit.

Mari tells us there are several obstacles that need to be considered to increase the number of foreign tourists visit. One is the constraint access direct flights to Indonesia.

"India Wisman little direct flight problem. But Garuda plans to open three times a week," he said. In addition, it also seeks to improve marketing and tour guide.

"We have to prepare the tour guides who can speak Mandarin, Russian, and Arabic. Also, airport improvements," Sapta said.