Indonesia Hotel Association Seeks Religious Tourism to Raise Yogyakarta Occupancy

The Perhimpunan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia (PHRI) DIY is intensifying promotion of religious tourism to lift hotel occupancy in Yogyakarta during the low‑season month of August 2026. PHRI reports current reservation rates of 30‑45% and aims to reach about 70% by targeting corporate travellers and faith‑based visitor groups, including Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Confucians. Chair Deddy Pranowo Eryono said the strategy offers a full travel experience beyond places of worship, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport and local SMEs.

Indonesia’s broader tourism sector remains challenged, with a 4% decline in visitor numbers compared with pre‑COVID levels. By May 2026, the country recorded 1.38 million foreign arrivals, driven largely by tourists from Yemen and Russia, while visitors from Malaysia and Singapore stayed for shorter periods. Commodity expert Emmanuela Bungasmara Ega Tirta suggested Indonesia could adopt Japan’s streamlined tourism information systems to improve recovery.

These coordinated efforts aim to boost occupancy, support small businesses and revive the tourism‑driven contribution to Indonesia’s economy.