Thursday, July 10, 2025
In July 2025, Indonesia planned to deliver a vibrant showcase of its breathtaking travel destinations right to the streets of Berlin. Throughout the entire month, from the 1st to the 31st, an innovative campaign was set to unfold featuring an open-top bus tour alongside a widespread Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising effort. This engaging campaign aimed to captivate the attention of both residents and visitors by spotlighting Indonesia’s most treasured Priority Tourism Destinations and regenerative travel sites, inviting travelers to discover the diverse allure of the archipelago.
Celebrating Indonesia’s Rich and Sustainable Destinations
The campaign focused on highlighting several of Indonesia’s most iconic locations, each rich with cultural heritage and natural beauty. These included Lake Toba in North Sumatra, famed for its vast volcanic lake; the majestic Borobudur temple in Central Java, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site; the scenic and developing Mandalika region in West Nusa Tenggara; the pristine marine haven of Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara; and the globally beloved island of Bali. These destinations exemplify Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable tourism and inclusive economic growth, promoting travel experiences that honor both the environment and local communities.
Strategic Presence Across Berlin’s Iconic Locations
To maximize visibility, the OOH advertisements were carefully positioned in some of Berlin’s busiest and most recognized public spaces, including the famous Kurfürstendamm boulevard. Meanwhile, the open bus tours navigated a thoughtfully chosen route that passed by many of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks. Key stops included KaDeWe Department Store, Lützowplatz, Tiergarten Culture Forum, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Gendarmenmarkt, Red Town Hall, Alexanderplatz, Karl-Marx-Allee, East Side Gallery, Neptune Fountain, DomAquarée, Lustgarten, Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof, Brandenburg Gate, Victory Column, and Elefantentor.
This extensive coverage was designed to reach a wide audience, ranging from daily commuters and office workers to tourists exploring the heart of the city, thereby embedding Indonesia’s travel message within the daily life of Berlin’s populace.
Strong Growth and Ambitious Visitor Targets
Data from the Indonesian Bureau of Statistics (BPS) revealed that Indonesia had recently welcomed 1.31 million international tourists, reflecting a robust 14.01% year-on-year increase. In May 2025 alone, the number of European visitors reached 192,235, showing steady growth of 1.06% year-to-date. These European tourists typically stayed for an average of 17.08 nights, a clear indication of deep engagement with the country’s diverse attractions.
Buoyed by these encouraging numbers, tourism officials set their sights high for 2025, aiming to attract more than 2.5 million visitors from Europe. This figure would account for approximately 17.3% of Indonesia’s total international tourist arrivals expected that year. Of particular importance was the German market, with an ambitious target of drawing 327,000 visitors from Germany alone. These goals underscore how pivotal Europe—and especially Germany—remains to Indonesia’s tourism ambitions.
Embracing Authenticity and Sustainability in Travel
This campaign formed part of a wider, strategic effort to deepen Indonesia’s connection with the European travel market, aligning with a national vision that prioritizes authentic, immersive, and personalized tourism experiences. The initiative highlighted diverse areas such as gastronomy tourism, marine tourism, and wellness travel, all sectors that had been spotlighted earlier in 2025 during the world’s largest tourism exhibition hosted in Berlin.
A core message throughout the campaign emphasized regenerative tourism—travel that fosters economic benefits for local communities while safeguarding natural environments. The country also aimed to reassure travelers that it remains a safe, welcoming, and memorable destination for international tourists, including families seeking enriching experiences.
Impact on the Travel Industry and Global Visitors
The deployment of this campaign in Berlin exemplified an evolution in destination marketing, where promotional efforts are becoming increasingly immersive, strategic, and integrated into the everyday experiences of potential travelers. Through eye-catching OOH placements and engaging open bus tours, the campaign created a real-time connection that subtly influenced people’s perceptions and travel aspirations.
For international travelers, particularly those from Europe and Germany, this initiative signals a growing selection of well-curated tourism options that prioritize sustainability, cultural depth, and genuine experiences. As awareness increases, it is likely to boost interest in Indonesia as a travel destination, potentially lengthening visitors’ stays and enhancing their overall engagement. This, in turn, is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting airlines, accommodations, local businesses, and cultural exchange programs.
More broadly, the campaign’s focus on regenerative and sustainable travel aligns with a global shift within the tourism sector. Modern travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that balance ecological responsibility with community well-being. The emphasis on meaningful travel experiences that reduce environmental impact and contribute positively to local societies reflects a significant and lasting change in industry standards and traveler expectations.
Key Highlights
- The campaign spotlights Indonesia’s Priority and Regenerative Destinations for the European audience.
- OOH advertisements and open bus tours span across Berlin’s most prominent landmarks.
- Sets a target of over 2.5 million European tourists in 2025, with a focus on the German market.
- Emphasizes travel experiences centered on sustainability, authenticity, and immersive cultural engagement.
- Mirrors a global industry trend toward responsible, meaningful tourism.
By bringing Indonesia’s stunning destinations to the forefront in a major European capital like Berlin, this campaign not only promotes tourism growth but also encourages travelers worldwide to embrace travel that values the planet and its people.
Tags: Bali, berlin, borobudur, germany, Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin, Labuan Bajo, lake toba, Mandalika, Tourism focus, travel and tourism, Wonderful Indonesia