Accor Asia Leadership Conference 2024: Wamenparekraf’s Inspiring Speech
Jakarta, February 1, 2024 – The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Wamenparekraf/Wakabaparekraf) Angela Tanoesoedibjo graced the gala dinner at the “Accor Asia Leadership Conference 2024,” attended by leaders from the Accor Group’s hotel network in Asia.
In her address at the event held at Pullman Central Park, Jakarta, on Wednesday night, January 31, 2024, Wamenparekraf/Wakabaparekraf Angela expressed her appreciation for Jakarta being chosen as the venue for the Accor Group’s event in Asia.
Talking about leadership, she shared a profound experience from her life during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy initiated a program to provide accommodation for healthcare workers (nakes) who were at the forefront of fighting the pandemic. This initiative aimed to support the hotel industry to continue operating amid the challenging circumstances.
However, as with any new idea, execution was not without its challenges. Many accommodations and hotels were reluctant to host healthcare workers due to the high risk of transmission in red zones. It was then that Accor Indonesia stepped up and became the first to join the cause.
Wamenparekraf Angela expressed her gratitude and described it as a true display of leadership, where Accor Indonesia made tough decisions when no one else dared to. She emphasized the importance of strong values and beliefs as guiding principles for leaders in decision-making.
As Indonesia transitions into the post-pandemic era, the tourism sector’s performance is on the rise. It is projected that the number of foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 reached 11 million, surpassing the set target. This year, the goal is to increase foreign tourist arrivals to 14 million and domestic tourist movements to 1.2 billion.
**Strategic Programs for Tourism Recovery**
Wamenparekraf Angela outlined three main programs to achieve these targets. Firstly, continuing event-led recovery strategies, such as hosting major events like the G20, ASEAN Summit, MotoGP, F1 Powerboat, among others, to boost tourism.
Secondly, working on digitalizing event permits to streamline event organization in Indonesia. Lastly, formulating a Tourism Fund dedicated to funding future events in the country.
Moreover, the government is focused on enhancing connectivity through air, sea, and land transportation networks and ensuring sustainability through blue and green tourism initiatives.
With these strategic programs in place, Indonesia’s tourism sector is poised for growth and recovery under the visionary leadership of Wamenparekraf Angela Tanoesoedibjo.
