Search Results forYogyakarta
The Kharma Villas Yogyakarta Partners with Trip Affiliates Network
The Kharma Villas, a boutique luxury private villa retreat in Central Java, has announced a partnership with Singapore-based travel technology leader Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) www.tripaffiliates.com . This collaboration marks a significant step in The Kharma Villas’ digital transformation journey, aimed at strengthening operational agility and expanding B2B distribution reach globally. As part of this integration, The Kharma Villas will onboard to TA Network’s multi-tenant, cloud-native IaaS, gaining real-time connectivity with an extensive network of B2B channels via TA network ecosystem including wholesalers, tour operators, and travel consortia. TA Networks’ rate and inventory management, dynamic channel synchronization, and automated booking workflows—empowering the property to scale distribution while reducing manual overheads. The partnership comes at a pivotal time as Yogyakarta experiences a robust tourism rebound. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the region welcomed over 4.1 million visitors in the first half of 2025, with foreign arrivals surging by 35%. Luxury and boutique segments have seen increased demand, driven by travellers seeking personalized and culturally immersive stays in Indonesia’s cultural heartland. Fitri Maryana, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Kharma Villas, commented: “This partnership is a key milestone in our digital evolution. TA Network’s HPN platform enables seamless B2B integrations, real-time distribution accuracy, and unified control over multi-channel performance—allowing us to remain agile in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.” Wilson Napitupulu, Regional Director – Ecosystem & Partnerships, Southeast Asia at Trip Affiliates Network, added: “We are pleased to welcome The Kharma Villas into the TA Network ecosystem. Their unique, high-end offering resonates strongly with the growing global appetite for authentic travel experiences. Our HPN infrastructure will help unlock scalable B2B growth while simplifying complex distribution processes.” As AI driven infrastructure and automation tools become critical in today’s hospitality landscape, TA Network’s hi-performance turnkey solutions delivers smart features such as dynamic rate governance, multi-currency payment orchestration, and auto-reconciliation tools to help hotels and villa operators optimize revenue and streamline operations across both B2B and B2C channels.
Work starts on Yogyakarta’s new airport
Yogyakarta's current airport, Adi Sutjipto, can handle just 1.2 million passengers per year A ground-breaking ceremony was held recently to mark the start of work on the new Yogyakarta International Airport. The new hub in Kulon Progo, west of the Indonesian city, will lead to a ten-fold increase in Yogyakarta's air capacity, allowing the launch of direct long-haul flights. Indonesia's Transportation Minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, who presided over Friday's ceremony, said the airport would be able to handle Islamic pilgrimage flights to and from Saudi Arabia. "Currently, flights to the farthest destination from Yogyakarta are to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to a plan, the farthest destination to be served will be Jeddah, so Yogyakarta's inhabitants can go for Hajj from Yogyakarta," the minister was quoted saying by the Antara news agency. "The airport will become operational in March 2019," he added. At present, Yogyakarta's Adi Sutjipto Airport can handle just 1.2 million passengers per year. In its first stage of development, the new airport will be able to accommodate up to 15m passengers per year with a 3,250-metre-long runway able to handle large twin-aisle jet aircraft. A second stage of development between 2031 and 2041 could further boost capacity to 20m per year. Indonesia's airport operator, PT Angkasa Pura I, has reportedly allocated IDR9.3 trillion (US$697m) for the development of the new airport.
Bali rethinks strategies as it combats impact of overtourism
Pre- and post-pandemic, it’s not surprising to know that the Indonesian island paradise that is Bali remains one of the world’s most desirable and most visited destinations. As of November 2025, the province’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport welcomed a staggering 4.8 million foreign arrivals, with Australian and Indian travellers leading the pack. In terms of economics, this is a major boon for Bali, given how the tourism sector contributes up to 70 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and hires 25 percent of the island’s total workforce. However, such a boom does not necessarily mean that tourism is a purely good thing for Bali and its people; on the contrary, tourism, especially in the context of overtourism, is also the biggest thorn in its side. The downside of mass tourism For Bali, tourism and the industrialisation that comes with it have all but sounded a death-knell for its native culture and traditions. In its country report on Bali, Responsible Travel’s experts pointed out that, while overtourism affects everyone, locals bear the brunt of its impact even after guests have long gone. While the blatant disrespect of foreigners to the people and their culture is galling enough, the Balinese have also needed to deal with overdevelopment, the depletion of key resources such as groundwater, rampant pollution, as well as traffic congestion at almost all hours of the day. In fact, the issue of overtourism in Bali actually isn’t new; in August 2012, the French newspaper Le Monde published a piece decrying the way mass tourism was destroying the island paradise. At the time, I Wayan Suardana of the Indonesian environmental protection organisation Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) mourned the fact that the measures meant to boost cultural tourism in the province have led to its own downfall at the hands of the foreign visitors it sought to draw in. Suardana remarked: “Bali really became a tourist destination in the 1970s. But in the beginning, it was mostly cultural tourism. Today, we are witnessing mass tourism, and that's the very problem!” The environmental advocate was actually reported to the authorities in 2016 for protesting the Benoa Bay Reclamation Plan which would have turned what is essentially a marine conservation area into a luxury hospitality enclave which would not have only ruined the area’s ecological balance, but would also squander a major part of the island’s freshwater reserves for the exclusive use of their guests. But while WALHI successfully prevented the reclamation of Benoa Bay, it remains unsuccessful in curbing the rezoning of agricultural land into hospitality and leisure areas for foreign guests, and locals are losing up to 700 hectares of land per year to commercialisation. Cultural erosion Blatant disrespect of local culture and traditions is another issue that authorities are struggling to address, much to the ire of the native Hindu population which has long chafed under Indonesia’s Muslim majority. It also hasn’t helped that many western visitors who come to Bali have this anything goes mindset, the one where anything that happens abroad, stays abroad. But in these days when social media is king, their shenanigans are broadcast across platforms, exposing their boorish behaviour to the rest of the world. As the experts at Responsible Tourism put it: “A sense of entitlement has emerged among some visitors, not helped by a rise in social media influencers creating an image of the island that doesn’t stand up to reality. This points to a perception that Bali is a place where ‘anything goes’, which is entirely at odds with the respect for others that is embedded within traditional culture here.” While this has resulted in stricter guidelines regarding public propriety, sobriety, and decorum in sacred sites, authorities still struggle to curb unruly and often openly disrespectful behaviour among foreigners. The commercialisation and commodification of culture and cultural icons has also proven to be more of a bane than a boon to Bali, as some of its most iconic traditions are dismissed as “charming” local quirks and shoddy souvenirs. Navigating the uphill climb The road to recovery of any sort is never an easy thing, more so for Bali as it tries to navigate itself out of the rut dug deep by overtourism. Nevertheless, this Indonesian province has been working to alleviate if not completely eradicate the issue through the implementation of new laws and measures regulating tourism, sustainability, and public behaviour. Since the end of the pandemic, these have included: Greater tourist levies and stricter visa control Bali has been charging a mandatory tourist levy of around US$4 since February 2024. Revenues collected from the levy are allocated to initiatives related to environmental protection and cultural preservation. Indonesian authorities are also looking into revising existing laws and regulations for long-term visas for foreigners; A moratorium on development and construction Construction initiatives related to hospitality and leisure development, particularly in the strained region of South Bali, have been suspended or scrapped all together as of September 2024. As of press time, the Indonesian government has not rescinded the moratorium which some officials say could remain in place for up to ten years; Harsher punishment for misbehaviour Arrests and fines are one thing, but foreigners need to be more careful when in Bali as deportation awaits those caught in the acts of public indecency, disrespect to local cultural or religious sites, being under the influence, and even traffic violations; Revamped waste management Per a report from National Geographic, local authorities are working to properly dispose of the almost 33,000 tonnes of single-use plastic waste tossed into Bali’s surrounding waters. Measures are also being made to ensure an ample supply of freshwater for the local population; Transportation-centric infrastructure Authorities are likewise finding solutions to decongest roads, including urban railways as well as those connecting Bali to the rest of the Indonesian archipelago; and The promotion of secondary destinations On the part of the national government, tourism authorities are shifting the attention from congested areas like Bali and Jakarta to lesser-known but equally appealing areas like Yogyakarta, Labuan Bajo, and Bandung, infusing these locations with ample financing for tourism-related infrastructure. Admittedly, the overtourism issue in Bali will not disappear overnight; but the Balinese want visitors to know that it is still their island, their homeland. As one local entrepreneur put it: “Our hospitality has been taken for granted. If you wouldn’t do certain things in your own country, don’t do it in Bali. Don’t blame us if we take action, don’t blame us if we speak up, don’t blame us if we stand up and tell you it has to stop.”
Meliá Hotels International continues Indonesia expansion with a new management agreement
Spain-based global hospitality firm Meliá Hotels International formally signed a new management agreement for Meliá Sentul Resort & Convention Center, a newly built five-star hotel in Sentul, West Java, Indonesia. Set to open in 2028, the property will operate under the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, marking the company’s seventh hotel in Indonesia and its first in Sentul. According to Meliá’s managing director in the Asia Pacific Ignacio Martin: “Meliá Sentul Resort & Convention Center represents an important milestone in our expansion across Indonesia. Sentul’s proximity to Jakarta, combined with its natural setting and expanding infrastructure, makes it a compelling destination for both leisure and corporate travel. We are delighted to be expanding alongside our trusted partners and bringing the Meliá brand to this fast-growing area.” With this new signing, Meliá Hotels International deepens its commitment to Indonesia, bringing its renowned Mediterranean warmth and service excellence to one of West Java’s most dynamic and naturally captivating areas. At the same occasion, Saraswanti Group CEO Noegroho Hari Hardono expressed his appreciation to Meliá Hotels International for the trust and commitment demonstrated in this collaboration. Hardono noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision between Saraswanti and Meliá in delivering internationally benchmarked property developments and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. Saraswanti Group chief operating officer for the property division Bogat Agus Riyono added:“Meliá Hotels International is widely recognized for its strong global reputation and proven management expertise across various international markets. We are confident that this collaboration will create meaningful value for the partnership as a whole and further reinforce Saraswanti’s standing in the property sector.” This agreement further strengthens the company’s long-standing relationship with its strategic partner Saraswanti Group, owners of INNSiDE by Meliá Yogyakarta, since 2013 which is also managed by the group. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to long-term, sustainable growth and the development of elevated hospitality in key destinations across Indonesia. In the heart of a rising leisure destination An hour’s drive south away from Jakarta, Sentul is gaining fame as a popular lifestyle and leisure destination for the capital’s residents, drawn in by its cooler climate, lush green hills, and growing range of recreational activities. Located within the Bogor Regency of West Java, the area combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure, offering scenic hiking trails, nearby waterfalls, and family-friendly attractions such as the Sentul International Circuit and JungleLand Adventure Theme Park, one of Indonesia’s largest amusement parks. Sentul has also gained momentum as a growing residential and business hub, with close proximity to the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), excellent road connectivity, and ongoing urban and transit-orientated developments. Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of dining, leisure and wellness experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty dining venues, a chic rooftop bar and a relaxed lounge area. The hotel will also feature an outdoor pool, fully equipped gym, and spa; and families will find dedicated spaces such as the Kids Club, designed to make every stay seamless and enjoyable for travelers of all ages. Complementing its leisure offering, the resort will also feature impressive meeting and event facilities, including a 1,160 m² ballroom and 15 versatile meeting rooms adding up to 1,640 m², positioning the property as one of the region’s leading destinations for corporate gatherings, conferences, and special celebrations. Together, these offerings create a perfect balance between business and leisure, set against the natural beauty and urban charm of Sentul.
Southeast Asia pivots to quality tourism as 2026 ASEAN Forum nears
With just over a week till the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in the Philippine province of Cebu, the eyes of the world turn to Southeast Asia, one of the most dynamic regions for travel and tourism. While there was a major drop in tourism numbers thanks to the pandemic, global travellers are returning to the region in droves…but not necessarily for the same reasons as before 2020. Indeed, the Southeast Asian tourism scene is evolving from the purely hedonistic / backpacker-centric vibe that so characterised the period from the late ‘90s to well into the 2010s, to a more luxurious yet sustainability-driven one that calls for quality, immersion, and authenticity. Southeast Asia’s shift to quality tourism To sum up the driving force that is sweeping through the sub-region in a single word: quality. Yes, travellers are veering away from the cheap and fast getaways in favour of more meaningful, immersive experiences that allow them to gain a better understanding of a destination, its people, and the culture that sets it apart from its regional and global neighbours. The framework for the ongoing evolution of tourism in Southeast Asia was initially outlined in 2012 via the ASEAN Strategic Tourism Plan 2016 - 2025 whose mission statement declares: “By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism destination offering a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, so as to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic well-being of ASEAN people.” This was later explored, particularly in the context of using technologies to drive towards quality tourism, in the study Digitalization and AI: Catalysts for Quality Tourism in Southeast Asia conducted by the Expedia Group via the Asian Development Bank’s South East Asia Development Solutions (ADB-SEADS). Expedia head of public policy, government, and corporate affairs Mohammad Matin Mohdari pointed out that quality tourism is not strictly limited to the concept of luxury travel. As he puts it: “ [Quality tourism] takes into consideration several other factors that contribute toward a nuanced, multi-dimensional vision of sustainable growth. However, countries must establish a shared understanding of what ‘quality tourism’ means within their specific context to ensure that it aligns with their national priorities, distinct value propositions, and unique operating environments.” In the Southeast Asian context, quality tourism centres on three dimensions: Economic growth which establishes tourism as a key and efficient economic driver for a country’s development, contributing towards resilient and equitable growth across communities; Productivity and job creation to enhance sector productivity to create good, higher-value, and dignified jobs for local workers; and Sustainable development which calls for supporting initiatives for environmental preservation and cultural heritage, including fostering responsible tourism and inclusive travel whilst advancing sustainable development goals. Who’s at the forefront of quality tourism in the region? The thing to keep in mind regarding quality tourism is that it takes travellers off the beaten path, it offers a more sustainable alternative to the usual tourist destinations, it enables travellers to immerse themselves into the culture and customs of a destination without the experience becoming too commercial or feeling contrived, and it benefits both the environment and local residents in myriad ways. The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park in Ban That Hium, Laos is one such destination that exemplifies the ethos of quality tourism. Spanning over 5,000sqkm, three provinces, and 100 villages, the park is one of the largest nature reserves in Laos and serves as more than just another wildlife sanctuary. Indeed, Nam Et-Phou Louey serves as a living and immersive classroom for both local and global travellers who seek to know more about Laos and its people. By doing so, it doesn’t just heighten awareness regarding endangered flora and fauna, but also supports the livelihood of eight of Laos’ 50 ethnic groups, many of whom were reduced to subsistence living prior to the park’s designation as a nature preserve. Another initiative that centres on quality tourism is Indonesia’s Desa WIsata (tourism villages) programme where whole communities are involved in offering immersive cultural and ecological experiences, blending local life with tourism, whilst focusing on sustainability and community empowerment. To date, the roster features the villages of Penglipuran and Pemuteran in Bali, Nglanggeran and Pentingsari in Yogyakarta, and Tamansari in Bangyuwanggi, all of which highlight immersive cultural experiences that enable travellers to know the locals’ way of life, understand their traditions, and keep local craft traditions from dying out through thriving cottage industries. Villages covered by the Desa Wisata programme are supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) which promotes them through various developmental initiatives, offering incentives and awards to the best-performing locations. By doing so, Indonesia is able to offer tourists a more meaningful journey that takes them away from the usual destinations to see and feel for themselves the richness of the country’s cultural and natural wonders. Moving forward In an industry where travellers are seeking better, more meaningful experiences, how is Southeast Asia working to maintain a lead? Sustainable urban and destination management is one of the key factors: especially in smaller, highly urbanised countries like Singapore, approaches need to take into consideration the needs of both locals and guests. In Singapore’s case, this entailed an integrated approach to urban management, especially with regard to public transportation, as well as the integration of tourism into national growth plans and strategies. It isn’t just for cities, of course: sustainable destination management also takes into consideration the whole range of tourism sites from cultural heritage areas, designated wildlife / nature reserves, and even beach destinations known as prime diving areas thanks to ample marine life. Another aspect to take into consideration is private-public partnerships where related government agencies and tourism boards enter collaborative partnerships with airlines, OTAs, and even cause-oriented groups to delineate relevant strategies and ensure their proper implementation. This collaborative approach, especially among regional neighbours, could lead to better quality experiences for global guests, enticing them to come back to Southeast Asia for more.
Indonesia puts its focus on wellness tourism
Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry is looking into how the country can make the most out of the growing global demand for wellness tourism. In an interview with national news agency Antara, tourism minister Widyanti Putri Wardhana pointed out how today’s travellers aren’t just looking for leisurely escapes, but destinations with the means of alleviating stress and restoring their health to a more balanced state. Wardhana declared at the opening of the Wonderful Indonesia Wellness (WIW) Festival in Central Java on Saturday, 1st November: “The world is facing higher stress levels. Tourists now look for destinations offering wellness products so they can return home healthier and more relaxed.” As of press time, the Tourism Ministry has defined seven main wellness categories to focus on; specifically: Eco-nature tourism; Herbal medicine; Healthy cuisine; Lifestyle and fitness; Arts; Spiritual healing; and Spa and ethno-spa. To date, Indonesia ranked first in Southeast Asia for the US$56.4 billion global wellness economy, and is also the third-fastest-growing wellness market in the Asia-Pacific region. A focused flagship Surakarta mayor Respati Ardi thanked the central government for naming Solo as one of the host cities for this year’s WIW 2025, which runs throughout November in Solo and Yogyakarta. Ardi said: “With our royal cultural heritage, Solo is ready to blend tradition with wellness tourism.” The festival features five key programmes, including Javanese Wisdom Immersion, Gendhing for Therapy, Royal Dance Symphony, A Holy Journey, and Javanese Secret Recipe. Tourism Ministry official Vincencius Jemadu explained further that WIW is a flagship event targeting 5,000 travel packages sold and US$520,000 in MSME transactions. The ministry also launched the book Wellness Journey Across the Java Wonder as a guide for tour operators and travel agents.
Strong leadership keeps growth sustainable in a fast-changing market – HVS’ Florian Kittler
He highlighted that the best leaders today combine commercial discipline with human-centred technology. Indonesia is positioning itself as a premium destination in the Asia Pacific, with its rich diversity and authenticity. To succeed, companies must adapt to shifting traveller preferences, strong leadership, and ensure sustainability remains at the core of their strategies. Offering his invaluable insights is Florian Kittler, Managing Director at HVS Executive Search for Europe and Asia Pacific. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and executive recruitment, he has partnered with hotel owners, operators, and investors to place senior executives who deliver business transformation and long-term value, drawing on a deep network and first-hand knowledge of luxury hospitality. Before joining HVS, he held senior operational leadership roles with leading global hotel groups such as Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, and Hyatt, where he refined his expertise in service excellence and strategic management. As a judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 - Indonesia, Kittler shares his perspective on Indonesia's role in Asia Pacific, emerging trends, and the leadership qualities essential to shaping the industry’s future. Based on your international experience, how do you see Indonesia’s travel and hospitality sector positioning itself in the Asia Pacific region? Indonesia is moving from chasing visitor numbers to higher visitor spend by focusing on quality, yield, and diversity. Bali is still the anchor, but investment in five Super-Priority Destinations is spreading demand and raising the country’s profile. With RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) growth driven by higher rates and policies like the Bali levy and Golden Visa, Indonesia now positions itself as a premium yet accessible alternative to Thailand or Vietnam. What trends are currently shaping traveller preferences in Asia Pacific, and in what ways can companies in Indonesia adapt? Travellers in Asia Pacific want meaningful, higher-value trips—wellness, cultural depth, and “quiet luxury” over flash. China’s return is selective, India is booming, and ASEAN demand is strong. For Indonesia, the key is tailoring products by market, simplifying arrivals with e-VOA (Visa-on-arrival) and levy messaging, and proving sustainability through visible impact. AI will help personalise experiences, but authenticity will seal the deal. What role does strong leadership play in shaping the future of travel and hospitality businesses, and what qualities do you consider most important today? Strong leadership is what keeps growth sustainable in such a fast-changing market. The best leaders today combine commercial discipline with human-centred technology. They use AI to optimise, but also coach teams to deliver high-touch service and authentic storytelling, like turning sustainability initiatives like the Bali levy into tangible guest value. They’re destination builders too—collaborating beyond their hotels to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem. Indonesia’s travel offering spans luxury, culture, and adventure. How can companies best leverage this diversity to attract global travellers? The opportunity is to connect Indonesia’s strengths into holistic journeys rather than selling them in isolation. For example, a trip could begin in Bali for wellness and culinary immersion, continue to Yogyakarta for heritage and crafts, and finish in Labuan Bajo for marine adventure. This circuit approach raises trip value and spreads benefits beyond Bali. For luxury travellers, private villas paired with authentic experiences—craft workshops, reef dives, or chef’s tables—fit the new definition of quiet luxury. Culinary trails and event-led tourism, like MotoGP in Mandalika or arts festivals in Yogyakarta, can further differentiate Indonesia on the global stage. Looking ahead, how do you see the travel and hospitality industry transforming in the coming years, and what can businesses do to stay ahead? In the next few years, Asia Pacific demand will surpass pre-pandemic levels, with Indonesia reaching record spend if access stays smooth. AI and automation will become standard, freeing teams for personal service. New hubs like Nusantara will expand Indonesia beyond leisure into MICE. The leaders will be those who cut friction, protect rate, and innovate with wellness, sustainability, and market-specific products. As a judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 - Indonesia, what key qualities will you look for in the nominees? I’ll be looking for companies that combine results with innovation and impact. Tech is important, but it must elevate—not replace—the human touch. Transparency in sustainability is critical, as is contributing to destinations beyond Bali. And those who adapt their products for China, India, and ASEAN will stand out as true leaders in Indonesia’s future.
Indonesia seeks to make a statement at ITB India 2025
Indonesia is set to make a strong statement at ITB India 2025, bringing the spirit of Wonderful Indonesia to Mumbai and beyond. With a target of welcoming 800,000 Indian travelers this year, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia is positioning the country as a premier tropical destination for leisure, culture, and wellness. Ahead of the three-day trade show, the Ministry of Tourism hosted Business Matching sessions in Kolkata on 27th August and again in Bengaluru on 29th August 29. At these meetings, 29 Indonesian sellers connected directly with Indian buyers, seeking to unlock new partnerships and fuel demand for Indonesian tourism products across the subcontinent. According to Indonesian assistant deputy for international tourism marketing Dedi Ahmad Kurnia: "India is one of the fastest-growing outbound markets, and it is already our fifth-largest source of international arrivals. Through ITB India, we want to strengthen Indonesia's brand positioning and ensure our destinations remain top-of-mind for Indian travelers." As India's outbound travel market continues to surge, projected to hit 29 million international trips by 2025, Indonesia's presence at ITB India underscores its commitment to becoming a leading destination for Indian tourists seeking nature, culture, and regenerative travel experiences. What to expect from Indonesia at ITB India From 2nd to 4th September at ITB India 2025, the Wonderful Indonesia Pavilion will feature 20 leading sellers from Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta along with immersive experiences designed to captivate global buyers. Beyond Bali, Indonesia is spotlighting its ten Priority Destinations which include Lake Toba, Borobudur, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Raja Ampat, and Labuan Bajo, as well as three emerging Regenerative Destinations: Bali, Jakarta, and Batam-Bintan. Visitors will also discover Indonesia's rich wellness heritage, as the pavilion will showcase jamu, Indonesia's traditional herbal drink, reimagined for modern lifestyles by Acaraki. Attendees can also enjoy daily tastings, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops such as batik art, underlining how heritage and creativity merge to shape Indonesia's unique tourism offerings. Indonesian tourism deputy minister for marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini remarked: "Indonesia is naturally aligned with wellness tourism thanks to its ancient healing traditions, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Our participation at ITB India is not only about showcasing destinations, but also about inspiring Indian travellers to experience Indonesia in deeper, more meaningful ways."
Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City to open in August 2025
Indonesia’s Pakuwon Group and Marriott International announced that the new Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City officially opens on 22nd August. The launch marks the debut of the Aloft Hotels brand in Surabaya and the first-ever Marriott-branded hotel in the eastern part of the city. Part of the Phase 3 expansion of Pakuwon City Mall, the hotel is strategically located above a mixed-use development spanning 1.1 hectares, with a project value of IDR 1.2 trillion. According to Pakuwon Portfolio Hotels’ multi-property general manager Reza Aryawarman: "This hotel represents more than just a new address, it's an experience hub crafted for the next generation of travelers. Aloft brings something exciting to the table, a hotel that feels alive, connected, and unapologetically different.” A milestone in ongoing expansion The opening aligns with Pakuwon's continued growth in lifestyle-led hospitality, reaffirming its commitment to bringing globally inspired experiences to Indonesia's urban centers. Likewise, the new hotel is part of Pakuwon Group's continued expansion in the hospitality sector, following successful developments such as The Westin Surabaya, Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers, Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, and the award-winning Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya Pakuwon Indah. Beyond Surabaya, Pakuwon's hospitality portfolio includes Sheraton Grand Jakarta Gandaria City, Fairfield by Marriott Bekasi, Four Points by Sheraton Bali Kuta, Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, and soon Four Points by Sheraton Bekasi, as well as the city's lifestyle destination, Pakuwon Golf & Family Club. Getting into the vibe at Aloft Aloft offers more than just a place to stay. Featuring 233 design-forward rooms, Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City is crafted for the modern traveller, from business professionals and digital nomads to Gen Z creatives and weekend city explorers. Each room is infused with playful wall art, vibrant colours, and natural light, setting the tone for an upbeat, immersive stay. Guests will be able to experience a number of amenities, including: WXYZ Lounge – A buzzing social hub with handcrafted cocktails and live music Vibe Restaurant – Bistro-style all-day dining with thoughtful service and creative local twists Echo Lounge & Bar – A stylish hideout for signature drinks, casual bites, and curated beats Re:Charge fitness center, outdoor pool, and versatile meeting spaces designed for collaboration and creativity Whether it's a midweek workcation, a weekend celebration, or a casual business trip, Aloft offers a fresh alternative to traditional hotels. Strategically located within Pakuwon City, the hotel is directly connected to Pakuwon City Mall, The Courtyard, and Park Shanghai. These vibrant lifestyle and retail destinations turn the hotel into a lively base for modern travelers to explore the city's cultural, culinary, and shopping scenes.
Archipelago introduces electric vehicle charging to Indonesian hospitality scene
Indonesian hotel operator Archipelago is now the first major hotel group in the country to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across its entire hotel portfolio. This milestone symbolises a major step forward in sustainable hospitality and green mobility for Indonesia. This initiative began with the installation of charging stations at ten hotels, serving as a tangible contribution to environmental preservation and a clear symbol of automotive technological advancement in various regions of Indonesia. Archipelago chief executive John Flood declared: “This isn’t just a convenience for our guests: it’s a commitment to Indonesia’s sustainable future. We’re proud to support the government’s push for electric vehicle adoption by offering nationwide charging access at our hotels.” Flood added that, by investing in EV infrastructure now, Archipelago is playing its part when it comes to building a more responsible tourism landscape for the future. He said: “This is just one of many actions we’re taking to ensure that sustainability is more than a statement. It’s embedded in how we operate, grow, and serve our guests.” Combining convenience and sustainability From Jakarta to Bali, Yogyakarta to Medan, Archipelago’s guests may now charge their electric vehicles at dozens of participating hotels, making road travel across Indonesia more convenient, connected, and climate-friendly. The EV charging rollout is part of Archipelago’s broader ESG strategy and builds on other key initiatives already in place across its brands, including: Energy-efficient building retrofits and LED conversions; Plastic reduction and refillable amenity programs; Food waste minimization and local sourcing; and Water-saving technologies and practices. Given how Indonesia is rapidly expanding its EV infrastructure, Archipelago is proud to play a leadership role in supporting that vision within the tourism sector. The chargers which are compatible with most EV models are available at flagship properties such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, and many more across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Bali. Archipelago hotels already offering the amenity are as follows: Aston Cirebon Hotel & Convention Center fave hotel Pamanukan fave hotel Nagoya Aston Batam Hotel & Residence Aston Madiun Hotel & Convention Center fave hotel Madiun Aston Cilegon Boutique Hotel Aston Serang Hotel & Convention Center Aston Pasteur Bandung Aston Anyer Beach Hotel The Alana Hotel & Conference Centerx Sentul City fave hotel Cimanuk, Garut Harper Purwakarta Hotel Neo Tendean Hotel Neo+ Kebayoran Harper Wahid Hasyim - Medan Aston Gresik Hotel & Conference Center Harper Kupang Guests and members of the public near the hotels who own electric vehicles can now enjoy the convenience of charging their vehicles directly within the hotel premises. This facility is available 24 hours a day and is designed to provide maximum comfort without disrupting guests’ travel routines or activities.
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