Indonesia remains top choice for Singapore, Malaysia and Australia travellers

Based on past and future travel plans for the next two years, the online survey conducted by Nielsen involved 6,714 respondents from 13 key Asia-Pacific markets. It indicated that among respondents most likely to head to Indonesia, 29 per cent were from Malaysia, 18 per cent from Australia and 15 per cent from Singapore.

Taiwan was next at nine per cent, followed by Japan and South Korea at eight per cent each. Both countries had been important markets for Indonesia, but showed declining figures due to the economic crisis.

Fifty-nine per cent of respondents who would go to Indonesia within the next two years were repeat travellers who were drawn by the destination's dining and shopping options as well as the natural scenery.

First-time travellers who would consider visiting Indonesia cited new attractions, the natural scenery and affordability as deciding factors. They were likely to visit with spouses, stay in four- and three-star hotels for three to five nights and spend an average of US$1,538 per person per trip, including airfare.

(Sources: Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta1, TTGAsia)