Southeast Asia's largest economy targets 2 million Chinese visitors this year

By Hoang Vu March 25, 2025 | 04:28 pm PT

Chinese tourists arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, on Jan. 22, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, expects to welcome two million Chinese visitors this year, an increase of nearly 70% compared to last year, thanks to a growing number of direct flights between the two countries.

Before the Covid pandemic, China was consistently one of Indonesia's top sources of foreign visitors. In 2024, the country received 1.19 million Chinese tourists.

Authorities in both China and Indonesia have actively collaborated on exhibitions, promotional campaigns, and other initiatives to boost tourism and encourage travel between the two nations, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun.

An increase in direct flights from China to Bali is expected to further drive growth, China Daily reported citing Paul Edmundus Talo, chairman of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operators Association.

Indonesian airline TransNusa is set to launch new Bali–China routes starting next month.

Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, expects to welcome nine million Chinese visitors this year.