Indonesia to Host Its First International B2B Tourism Event Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2024 in Jakarta

Indonesia is set to make waves in the global tourism industry with its inaugural international B2B tourism event, the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2024. Scheduled to take place in Jakarta from October 2-4, 2024, this landmark event will be hosted at the Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue, strategically located in the rapidly developing Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area. The launch of WITF marks a significant milestone for Indonesia as it seeks to position itself as a major player in the global tourism arena, showcasing the country’s rich diversity beyond its famed island of Bali. A Strategic Venue in the Heart of Jakarta The choice of Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue as the venue for WITF 2024 is a strategic one, reflecting the event’s ambition to attract global attention. PIK, often referred to as the new Jakarta city, is a burgeoning tourist destination known for its modern infrastructure, extensive business hubs, entertainment options, and event facilities. Located just a short drive from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, PIK offers unparalleled convenience for international visitors, making it an ideal location for a high-profile event like WITF 2024. Budi Tirtawisata, the chair of the WITF 2024 Steering Committee, emphasized the significance of PIK as the event’s venue. “PIK represents the future of Jakarta, a place where modernity meets tradition. Hosting WITF here allows us to showcase not only the event but also the potential of Jakarta as a world-class destination for business and tourism,” Budi explained. The Vision Behind WITF 2024 The inception of WITF was driven by a shared vision among Indonesia’s tourism leaders and the government to advance inbound tourism and elevate the country’s profile on the global stage. According to Budi, who also serves as the CEO of Panorama Group and the deputy chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), the idea for WITF was conceived during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta last year. It was here that both government officials and tourism business players recognized the need for Indonesia to have its own homegrown event that could rival international tourism trade fairs like ITB Berlin and WTM London. “The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) shared a dream and wondered why we couldn’t have an event of that caliber,” Budi shared in an exclusive interview with Travel Weekly. “This idea resonated strongly with industry players who had long discussed the need for an international-scale event in Indonesia,” he added. WITF 2024 is entirely self-funded and owned by GIPI, with support and endorsement from MOTCE. A committee comprising nine industry veterans, including ASTINDO chair Pauline Suharno, has been tasked with organizing the event. Their collective goal is to create a platform that not only attracts international buyers but also promotes the diverse tourism offerings across Indonesia’s vast archipelago. Showcasing Indonesia’s Diversity Beyond Bali One of the key objectives of WITF 2024 is to broaden the perception of Indonesia as a tourist destination. While Bali has long been the crown jewel of Indonesia’s tourism industry, WITF aims to highlight the country’s many other attractions that are often overlooked by international travelers. “The idea is to advance inbound tourism in Indonesia. We want to bring in as many guests as possible from abroad to the country,” Budi emphasized. WITF will feature tour operators from across Indonesia, showcasing destinations in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, Bangka-Belitung, and beyond. The event will also place a spotlight on emerging destinations that are gaining popularity among travelers seeking unique experiences. “Indonesia is not only Bali,” Budi added, stressing the importance of promoting lesser-known regions that offer rich cultural experiences, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities. By doing so, WITF aims to diversify Indonesia’s tourism appeal and attract a broader range of international visitors. As the inaugural Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2024 prepares to open its doors in Jakarta, the event stands as a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to advancing its tourism industry. By highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, WITF aims to broaden the global perception of Indonesia as a tourist destination beyond Bali. With the backing of industry leaders, government support, and a vision for the future, WITF 2024 is poised to make a significant impact on the global tourism stage. For those in the travel industry, WITF 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and explore the endless possibilities that Indonesia has to offer. As the countdown to October begins, the world watches with anticipation, ready to witness the dawn of a new era in Indonesian tourism.