The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy (Parekraf) Agency is hosting a familiarization trip for travel industry representatives, media, and content creators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to showcase the city's tourism potential. The initiative also supports Jakarta's goal of becoming one of the world's top 50 global cities.

The UAE delegation includes representatives from Ariana for Travels, Nirvana Travel & Tourism, Arabian Ventures Tourism LLC, and Vista Maritime Travel & Tourism, as well as representatives from two media outlets, Gulf News and Khaleej Times, and a Dubai-based travel content creator.

The trip offers participants an opportunity to explore Jakarta's historical heritage, cultural richness, and urban lifestyle attractions, including the Kota Tua area and an open dining bus experience that allows visitors to enjoy a meal while taking in the city's atmosphere and urban landscape.

The initiative is part of Jakarta's tourism promotion strategy to reach broader international markets, strengthen business networks in the tourism industry, and encourage the development of attractive travel packages for international visitors.

Jakarta Parekraf Agency Head Andhika Permata noted that a stronger tourism sector would help boost Jakarta's appeal as a global city known for its rich history, culture, and diverse travel experiences.

"Experiencing destinations firsthand gives travel industry players and media representatives an opportunity to understand Jakarta's strengths and identify opportunities to develop tourism products that meet market needs," he said on Tuesday (10/20).

Andhika added that, beyond introducing destinations through firsthand experiences, the familiarization trip also provided an opportunity for travel industry players from Abu Dhabi and Jakarta to connect through business meetings.

"The meetings provide a platform for travel agents and tour operators (TA/TOs) from both regions to exchange information on market potential, discuss collaboration opportunities, and explore the development of Jakarta tour packages that match the preferences of travelers from the United Arab Emirates," he said.

Head of Marketing and Attractions at the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Lucky Wulandari said the business meetings gave Jakarta's tourism industry players an opportunity to showcase a range of leading tourism products, from historical and cultural attractions to culinary experiences and urban activities that reflect the city's metropolitan character.

"Direct interaction with partners from Abu Dhabi is also expected to provide a deeper understanding of Middle Eastern market needs and opportunities to develop competitive tourism products," she added.

She said the business meetings were an important step toward turning destination promotion into sustainable business partnerships.

"By strengthening networks among travel industry players, Jakarta is expected to become better known as a destination of choice for travelers from the UAE while expanding its tourism marketing reach in international markets," she emphasized.

Ervienia Oryza, head of the agency's International Tourism Marketing Subgroup, said bringing together travel industry players from Indonesia and the UAE was an important step toward expanding cooperation in tourism promotion and product development.

The agency also hoped to turn these connections into lasting partnerships beyond the trip.

"We hope media representatives and content creators will help spread the word about Jakarta's attractions and encourage more international travelers to visit," she said.

The trip also gave participants a closer look at Jakarta's historical heritage, cultural diversity, and vibrant urban life.

The experience is expected to encourage the development of new tour packages while raising Jakarta's profile in the Middle Eastern market.

"Going forward, collaboration with international travel industry players, media representatives, and content creators is expected to remain part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Jakarta's image as a competitive global destination," she noted.