TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana discussed key initiatives to strengthen tourism cooperation with Saudi Arabia during a meeting with her Saudi counterpart, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, in Toledo, Spain, on Thursday, June 11.
Held on the sidelines of the 126th Session of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Executive Board, the meeting saw both ministers explore strategies to boost tourist arrivals, deepen bilateral cooperation, and reinforce the long-standing bond between the two nations.
"Saudi Arabia is one of Indonesia’s key partners in the Middle East, and Indonesia stands ready to further deepen this partnership, particularly in tourism, in a spirit of mutual respect and shared benefit," Widiyanti said.
Meanwhile, Al-Khateeb noted that his country maintains robust tourism ties with Indonesia, united by a shared culture and faith.
"We are now working closely with our Indonesian partners to enrich that connection, expand tourism exchange, enhance the visitor journey, and create opportunities for our destinations, businesses, and communities," Al-Khateeb remarked.
During the session, Ministers Widiyanti and Al-Khateeb emphasized the strategic weight of the Indonesia-Saudi Arabian tourism partnership while reviewing the progress of an ongoing memorandum of understanding in the sector.
The two officials then delved into opportunities to increase the volume of Indonesian travelers to the Kingdom through both religious and recreational tourism.
They also discussed measures to elevate the experience of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, coordinating with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to introduce travelers to destinations and heritage experiences beyond the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
For its part, Indonesia expressed a commitment to welcoming more Saudi tourists, including plans to establish an Arab and Hospitality Center at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
This initiative is designed to enhance the professional competence of Indonesian tourism workers in specifically serving and accommodating visitors from the Arab world.
Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are active members of the UN Tourism Executive Board, where both nations continue to advocate for collective action to ensure that sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity remain at the heart of the global tourism sector.
Read: Why Hidden Gems Are Becoming the New Travel Trend
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Indonesian Shrimp Exports
13 hari lalu
The Saudi Arabian government has lifted the ban on shrimp exports from Indonesia since May 24, 2026.
For Pakistan, Joining Abraham Accords Is a Tricky Choice
15 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump wants Pakistan and some other Muslim-majority nations to normalize ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords.
Sun Directly Above Mecca's Kaaba During Eid al-Adha 2026
16 hari lalu
The phenomenon of the sun directly above the Kaaba provides an opportunity for qibla direction calibration. This year is special because it coincides with the pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
Saudi Arabia Steadfast in Palestine Stance as Trump Pushes for Abraham Accords
17 hari lalu
Saudi Arabia said there is a need for an irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.
Indonesia Pushes Shrimp Exports to Saudi After Market Access Opens
17 hari lalu
Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged exporters to boost fishery and shrimp exports to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Tightens Mecca Traffic Ahead of Hajj Season
19 hari lalu
The Directorate General of Passports of Saudi Arabia noted that a total of 1,518,153 international pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia.
New Alliances Emerge in Middle East: Which One Will 'Win'?
20 hari lalu
The UAE and Israel are getting closer, while Saudi Arabia is enhancing cooperation with Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia: 1.5 Million Join Hajj Pilgrimage Despite War
20 hari lalu
Saudi Arabia has been directly hit by missiles and drones during the Iran war, but the country is hosting the all-important Muslim pilgrimage anyway.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Car Bombing in Syria's Damascus
20 hari lalu
Saudi Arabia condemns the car bomb explosion that killed a Syrian soldier and injured several others in Damascus, Syria on Tuesday, May 19.
At Cannes, Indonesia Seeks Stronger Film Deal with Saudi Arabia
29 hari lalu
The minister has been attending a series of events at the Cannes Film Festival, including a meeting with Saudi Arabian film official.
