Sleman boosts tourism with national travel collaboration

Sleman (ANTARA) - Sleman District in Yogyakarta is stepping up efforts to become one of Indonesia's leading tourism destinations by expanding its business network and strengthening collaboration with national travel industry players.

"Sleman no longer relies solely on its natural and cultural attractions. The district is now working to make its tourism sector more competitive by strengthening business networks and collaborating with national travel industry players," Chairman of the Sleman Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Andhu Pakerti, said on Monday.

According to Andhu, the initiative was carried out through the 2026 Sleman District Table Top and Travel Dialogue, held in Jakarta on June 24, which brought together tourism businesses from Sleman and dozens of potential buyers from Jakarta and surrounding areas.

The event served as a strategic platform to promote Sleman's flagship tourism products while opening new opportunities for cooperation in travel, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), corporate events, and experience-based tourism.

"A total of 28 sellers and 95 buyers participated in the business matching session. The meeting was designed to enable tourism businesses from Sleman to interact directly and more effectively with potential business partners," Andhu said, adding that the event formed part of the district's strategy to expand its tourism market.

"Through this event, we brought sellers and buyers together to create more concrete and sustainable business opportunities," he said.

Andhu noted that Sleman has long been recognized as one of Yogyakarta's leading tourism destinations. Through the business forum, however, the district aims to broaden market perceptions by demonstrating that it offers far more than conventional leisure tourism.

"Sleman offers a combination of natural attractions, cultural experiences, culinary tourism, accommodation, and supporting facilities for business activities," he said.

The district showcased a wide range of tourism products, including hotels, resorts, meeting venues, adventure destinations, educational tourism, and authentic Yogyakarta experiences.

Featured attractions presented to buyers included Breksi Pyroclastic Cliff Park, Mount Merapi Jeep tours, heritage destinations, and local culinary specialties such as gudeg and bakpia.

"Sleman is not only ready to welcome leisure travelers but also has strong potential to host business, government, educational, and community activities," Andhu said.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Primayanti

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