The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy (Parekraf) Agency is participating in ITB Asia 2026, a business-to-business (B2B) tourism trade show taking place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, from October 21 to 23, 2026.

By taking part in ITB Asia 2026, Jakarta is promoting its appeal as a dynamic urban destination with a rich cultural heritage and considerable potential in tourism and the creative economy. The initiative also supports Jakarta's efforts to become a global city as it approaches its 500th anniversary.

Jakarta Parekraf Agency Head Andhika Permata said Jakarta's participation in the international tourism event was not only an opportunity to pomote the city as a destination, but also a chance to expand business networks, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen Jakarta's competitiveness in the global tourism market.

As Jakarta transforms into a global city, tourism development is focused on offering diverse travel experiences, improving service quality, and strengthening connections between industry players, destinations, and international markets.

"Jakarta's transformation into a global city needs to be supported by a stronger tourism and creative economy sector, which is one of the drivers of the city's economic growth," he said on Wednesday (10/21).

He highlighted that Jakarta had an advantage as a metropolitan city that brings together modernity, a rich history, cultural diversity, and community creativity in a competitive tourism ecosystem.

Andhika added that Jakarta was no longer merely a transit city, but a destination with its own character, history, and diverse experiences.

"As Jakarta approaches its 500th anniversary, we want to show that the city's long journey provides a foundation for moving forward as an increasingly competitive global city. Through the development of urban, cultural, and marine tourism, along with the strengthening of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry, Jakarta is ready to welcome the world," he explained.

Lucky Wulandari, head of marketing and attractions at the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, said ITB Asia 2026 provided a strategic opportunity for Jakarta to strengthen ties with international tourism businesses.

Beyond showcasing the city's tourism potential in Singapore, Jakarta aimed to build partnerships, attract investment, and expand its network across the tourism industry.

"Through collaboration with industry players, we hope this promotion will generate concrete business opportunities and help increase international tourist arrivals in Jakarta," she added.

Ervienia Oryza, head of the agency's Overseas Tourism Marketing Subgroup, said Jakarta's participation reaffirmed the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to promoting the city in international markets, expanding industry partnerships, and developing Jakarta as a tourism destination and MICE hub in Southeast Asia.

"This is part of Jakarta's journey toward becoming a global city as it approaches its 500th anniversary, guided by a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and openness to the world," she said.

The Jakarta Parekraf Agency is participating alongside 17 tourism industry players. They include one wellness business, Jakarta Wellness (Etnaprana); two tourism associations, the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) and the Wellness & Healthcare Entrepreneur Association (WHEA); four tour operators, Universal Tour & Travel, Xpose Tour & Leisure Jakarta, Baltic Golf and Travel Specialist, and Dwidaya Wisata Indonesia; and two destination management companies (DMCs), Ina Leisure Indonesia Specialist DMC and Marintur Indonesia.

The delegation also includes seven hotels in Jakarta: Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection, Pullman Jakarta Central Park, JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention Center Jakarta, ARTOTEL Group, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Kemayoran, Fairmont Hotel Jakarta, and Novotel Jakarta Pulomas.

Two destinations are also taking part: PT Taman Safari Indonesia and PIK Tourism Board. This cross-sector participation is expected to create opportunities for collaboration between Jakarta's tourism industry players and international partners, including travel agents, tour operators, event organizers, destination managers, and hospitality businesses.

Jakarta's participation in ITB Asia 2026 is also supported by Directorate General of Immigration. The collaboration aims to provide clear, up-to-date immigration information to help international tourists travel more easily to Indonesia, particularly Jakarta.