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Indonesia is preparing to host its inaugural international B2B tourism event, the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF), from 2-4 October 2024 in Jakarta. Positioned to become an annual highlight in the global tourism calendar, WITF 2024 will take place at the Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue, strategically chosen for its prime location in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), a rapidly emerging tourist hotspot known as the “new Jakarta city.”

Why Jakarta and PIK?

The selection of Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue as the venue underscores the strategic importance of PIK, which offers easy access from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and boasts a thriving ecosystem of businesses, entertainment, and event facilities. “PIK is not just a venue; it’s a destination that represents the future of Jakarta as a hub for tourism and business,” said Budi Tirtawisata, chair of the Steering Committee for WITF 2024.

The Birth of WITF

The inspiration for WITF was born out of a vision to create a homegrown event on par with international tourism trade fairs like ITB Berlin and WTM London. This idea gained momentum during the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Yogyakarta last year, where government and tourism stakeholders recognized the need for Indonesia to showcase its rich cultural and natural heritage on a global stage.

WITF 2024 is a fully self-funded initiative, owned by GIPI (the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association) with the support and endorsement of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE). The event’s organization is overseen by a committee of nine industry veterans, including ASTINDO chair Pauline Suharno, who are committed to bringing together tourism players to elevate Indonesia’s global tourism profile.

Showcasing Indonesia’s Diversity

WITF 2024 aims to expand global perceptions of Indonesia as a tourist destination by highlighting the country’s vast diversity. The event will showcase attractions from across the archipelago, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, Bangka-Belitung, and beyond.

Tour operators from around the world will have the opportunity to explore these destinations firsthand, providing them with the insights needed to promote Indonesia in their home countries. The committee is targeting the attendance of 150 to 200 international buyers, with the majority expected from Asia, 20% from Europe, and the remainder from the Middle East, Australia, and the US. Buyers from countries such as Vietnam, Poland, Bulgaria, and Uzbekistan have already confirmed their participation.

In addition to tour operators, leading Indonesian companies, including PT Astra International, Coca Cola Euro Pacific, and United Tractors, have been invited as potential buyers, particularly in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market.

Global Collaboration and Industry Support

WITF 2024 is in talks with major global and regional carriers such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines to ensure robust participation. Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier, has already pledged its support.

A Dual-Event Experience

WITF 2024 is organized in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Business Event Forum (SEABEFF), a government-sponsored international conference focused on the MICE industry. While WITF will serve as a B2B travel tradeshow, SEABEFF will offer a platform for industry professionals to discuss trends and outlooks in the MICE sector, providing a comprehensive experience for attendees.

As Indonesia prepares to debut the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair, the event is poised to solidify the nation’s position as a leading tourism destination and a key player in the global tourism industry.