UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines: “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Indonesia”

UN Tourism has launched the latest edition in its series of investment guidelines: Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Indonesia. This comprehensive publication offers global investors a clear and data-driven overview of the vast opportunities in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic tourism markets.

Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Indonesia

Indonesia attracted USD 60 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) across all sectors in 2024, surpassing its ten-year average. Tourism alone has brought in USD 16.1 billion since 2018, with foreign investors contributing USD 5.6 billion (34.7%) and domestic investors USD 10.5 billion (66.3%).

From the white sands of Lombok to the cultural treasures of Borobudur, Indonesia has become a magnet for tourism investment thanks to a unique combination of government commitment, business-friendly reforms, and iconic destinations.

Key highlights for investors include:

• 10 Super Priority Destinations, such as Lake Toba, Raja Ampat, and Labuan Bajo.
• 3 Regenerative Tourism Destinations in Bali, Riau Islands, and Jakarta.
• Ambitious short-term strategies, including Clean Tourism Movement, Tourism 5,0, Up-Scaled Tourism, Indonesians Intellectual Property-based events, and Tourism Village Programme.
• 11 Special Tourism Economic Zones, designed to streamline investment and development.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Indonesia’s proactive tourism strategy shows how vision and investment can turn destinations into engines for inclusive, sustainable growth. With strong public-private partnerships and a clear development roadmap, Indonesia continues to lead by example in the region.”

The Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Indonesia guidelines were developed in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and aim to support both domestic and international investors in navigating the evolving tourism landscape of the country.

The Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia Widiyanti Putri Wardhana says: “These Guideline are a significant milestone in our ongoing work to position Indonesia as a leading destination for tourism investment and business. It is more than just a tool. It’s a roadmap to help investors navigate and unlock the immense potential of Indonesia’s thriving tourism sector.”