Frugality shifts tourist spending toward villas and rail travel
The tourism ministry says domestic trips are still growing above 4 percent and foreign arrivals above 5 percent despite trimmed vacation budgets.
Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said the frugality trend is changing how travelers spend money while traveling in Indonesia. She said people are cutting nonessential spending, but not stopping leisure trips. As a result, transport and lodging choices are shifting to more economical options. Travelers who previously took flights are increasingly using private vehicles because the toll road network is connected, or switching to trains; the Tourism Ministry cited PT KAI data showing more riders. On accommodation, some travelers are moving from star-rated hotels to villas, which are seen as more private and suitable for families, including in Yogyakarta. Even as spending patterns change, Ni Luh said domestic tourism trips are still growing above 4 percent and international arrivals above 5 percent.