Arab tourism in Indonesia

Indonesia knows it must re-tool its tourist industry, and shoot for regional tourism, as much as long distance market. One growing market is the Arab tourism sector. Indonesian minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik announced airport signs in Arabic, to help Arab visitors to the country. He also said that Arab families visiting Indonesia, would be able to hire maids (what’s the big deal? Just make sure you don’t leave the husband alone with her).

Arab tourists are finding Indonesia a more accommodating place, than the US or Europe, during this age of terrorism. The Arab travel sector could grow in the next few years. Although Garuda Indonesia has limited capacity to the Middle East, there are foreign carriers that can pick up the demand. I mentioned once before, that a friend of mine who works at the airport in Surabaya, told me when Saudi Airlines comes to pick up pilgrims for the Hajj, the plane arrives empty. The cleaning crew are always complaining about the number of used condoms on board. I guess ‘in-flight entertainment’ on Saudi Airlines reaches fever pitch, when they get into international air space.

Here in Bali we don’t get to many Arab visitors, although they would be very welcome if they came. They would find better hotels, restaurants, shopping, fun stuff here, than in Java. They would also find many masjids (mosques),even in Kintamani, East Bali and small coastal towns.