MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY/TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY AGENCY

Minister Sandiaga Describes Several Preparations for ATF 2023 in Yogyakarta

As an effort to push economic revival and create employment opportunities

Jakarta, November 10th 2022 - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, describes several preparation that have been carried out ahead of the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).

Indonesia is currently the Chairman of the ASEAN Tourism Forum and becomes the host of ATF 2023, which will be held in Yogyakarta on February 2-5, 2022, with the theme “ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations”.

During the 2023 Kick Off ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) session at The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno, at the Sapta Pesona Building, Thursday (10/11/2022), Minister Sandiaga explained a number of preparations had been carried out, including the preparation of hotels in Yogyakarta, the readiness of Yogyakarta International Airport, as well as the opening of direct flight access to and from Yogyakarta.

“What is interesting is that the Yogyakarta International Airport is the most ready . So, when I landed there, it was like a world-class international airport. We hope there will be more direct flights to support the success of ATF 2023,” according to Minister Sandiaga.

Minister Sandiaga said that the preparations for ATF 2023 were also carried out together with industry and local governments. Such as the commitment of the Yogyakarta Regional Government to renovate the Jogja Expo Center for the venue of TRAVEX, which is targeted for completion in December 2022, to the readiness of Yogyakarta Human Resources as Liaison Officer for Senior Officials level.

“There is also support for local MSMEs to provide souvenirs for delegates, and the commitment of the Yogyakarta Regional Government to host the Royal Dinner agenda with Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono at the Yogyakarta Palace,” he added.

Furthermore, Minister Sandiaga explained that Yogyakarta was selected as the location for the ATF 2023 because it is one of the super priority destinations, and there is a special request from the ASEAN member.

“Why Yogyakarta? Because I also choose this city. I love Yogyakarta very much, and this city makes me want to always come back, also it is one of the super priority destinations. And when offered from several options, Yogyakarta received the most request from our fellows in ASEAN,” he continued.

Permanent Secretary of the MOTCE, Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani, who attended The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno online, added that ATF 2023 is a closing activity during the period of Indonesia’s chairmanship at the ASEAN tourism forum, as well as the opening event for the meeting between ASEAN ministers during the chairmanship of Indonesia in ASEAN in all sectors in 2023.

“The peak activity of Indonesia’s chairmanship from ASEAN will be held on February 2-5, 2023, and this is the beginning of Indonesia becoming Chair of ASEAN, and Indonesia as Chair of ASEAN will also discuss all pillars,” according to Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani.

Meanwhile, the Deputy for Resources and Institutions of the MOTCE, Martini Mohammad Paham, who attended The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno offline, said that there were series of activities in the ATF 2023, such as the ASEAN tourism forum meeting at the Ministerial level and Senior Officials, which will take place at the Marriott Yogyakarta Hotel.

The ASEAN tourism forum meeting at the Ministerial level and Senior Officials will be divided into several sessions, including the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers; The 22nd ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, Korea) Tourism Ministers Meeting; The 10th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting; The 2nd ASEAN-Russian Federation Ministers Meeting; The 57th ASEAN NTOs Meeting; The 42nd ASEAN Plus Three NTOs Meeting; The 29th ASEAN-India Tourism Working Group Meeting; The 13th ASEAN Russia Tourism Consultation Meeting.

“From what is resulted, of course, the cooperation includes marketing, investment, human resources, and the discussion of sustainable tourism. The output is in the form of a joint statement from the ASEAN Ministers; there are studies on how we can carry out Sustainable Tourism Development in ASEAN after COVID-19 in ASEAN countries; and lastly, there is a study on Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Tourism Professional, how industry players in ASEAN countries can work in mobility in ASEAN countries, that is the expected output,” Martini explained.

Deputy for Tourism Products and Events of the MOTCE, Rizki Handayani Mustafa, who was present at the Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno online, added that there will be a TRAVEX agenda, which is part of the main activities of the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).

TRAVEX will be held at the Jogja Expo Center on February 3-5, 2023, namely in the B2B exhibitor and seller session consisting of participants from ASEAN NTOs, ASEAN Tourism Industries, Travel and Tourism Hospitality Industries, hotels & accommodation industries, TA/TO, as well as MICE actors.

Meanwhile, in the B2C session, which will be the place for direct transactions between business and consumers, the Indonesia Culinary Festival and Creative Economy Industries Exhibition will be held.

“The target of sellers is 250 exhibitors from the ASEAN region and 250 buyers from ASEAN member countries and other countries,” Rizki said.

The Chairman of the Yogyakarta Regional Tourism Promotion Board, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Bendara expected that ATF 2023 will become gateway to becoming a leading destination in Southeast Asia.

“The readiness of the ATF is approaching 70 percent, and we hope to see you in Yogyakarta, of course Yogyakarta is very ready for the MICE location, and the ATF is the gateway to our program in 2025, which is to become one of the leading destinations in Southeast Asia,” Bendara said.

I Gusti Ayu Dewi Hendriyani
Head of Communication Bureau
*Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative