WTTC Congratulates Indonesia On Extending Visa-Free Access to 45 Countries

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has congratulated the Republic of Indonesia on reforming visa requirements to citizens of 30 more countries, in a move that will boost jobs and economic growth.

Earlier this month, President Joko Widodo signed the presidential regulation which allows more people visa-free entrance to the country for up to 30 days.

Fifteen countries out of the 45 previously enjoyed visa-free access to Indonesia, the 30 new countries to benefit from the visa waiver are: China, Russia, South Korea, Japan, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and South Africa.

Travel and tourism is a major contributor to the Indonesian economy. In 2014, the sector contributed 9.3% of total GDP and 8.4% of jobs, once all direct, indirect and induced factors are taken into account.

David Scowsill, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said, “I would like to commend President Joko Widodo and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on this important step forward for his country’s travel and tourism industry. This show of leadership demonstrates how visa reforms can energise a country to bring economic growth, job creation and social benefit. Governments across the world are increasingly understanding that visa reforms can stimulate visitor numbers and drive economic growth. According to a recent joint report by WTTC and UNWTO, countries in the APEC region stand to gain up to 57 million additional international tourist arrivals and to create up to 2.6 million jobs from visa facilitation by 2016. Reforms such as those by President Joko Widodo show the way forward.”