Report Towards a Roadmap for Inclusive Business in Wellness Tourism in Indonesia

Tourism is a priority sector for the Indonesian government and plays a vital role in economic growth and job creation. Indonesia boasts a diverse and rich landscape and natural ecosystems that position the country as an attractive destination for tourists. In 2019, the Indonesian government designated tourism as a priority sector due to its strong potential, higher economic growth, catalytic effect on other industries, and contribution to more inclusive growth. The increase in international tourist arrivals had been quite significant since 2016, and the numbers were projected to continue rising until the COVID-19 pandemic struck the tourism sector in 2020.

The increase in international tourist arrivals has been quite significant since 2016, and that number was projected to continue rising until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the tourism sector in 2020.

The Indonesian government has selected wellness tourism as a pilot sector for promoting inclusive business (IB) due to its strategic relevance to inclusive economic growth. In this context, the Indonesian government has officially requested the United Nations ESCAP—as part of its capacity-building efforts for inclusive business among ASEAN member states—to assist the Indonesian government in designing a roadmap to promote inclusive business in the context of wellness tourism.

To that end, this technical report presents an analysis of the enabling environment for IB in wellness tourism, highlights selected IB models in the tourism sector that can serve as examples of best practices, and outlines recommendations for a roadmap to facilitate the promotion of IB in the field of wellness tourism in Indonesia. Indonesia can build upon existing IB models in the wellness tourism sector and initiatives to promote IB in the tourism sector.

Get in Touch with Us

DESMA Center works to realize sustainable tourism through consultancy and the implementation of interventions at every level of tourism destinations, guided by a sustainability approach. We provide planning, management, development, and marketing services for tourism destinations using a strategic approach to sustainable tourism. Since its establishment in 2010, DESMA Center has continuously encouraged and engaged government, the private sector, communities, associations, and other stakeholders in facilitating tourism destination development that takes into account sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects. With sustainable tourism development as our core principle, we remain consistent and professional in delivering the best service. The key to our success is every team member's commitment to delivering quality. DESMA stands for DEStination MAnagement, because we believe that a sustainable, inclusive, integrated and quality tourism ecosystem begins with strategic, effective and applicable planning, development and management of tourism destinations in line with the principles of sustainability.

Our Works