Number of foreign tourists in Jakarta up in October

The number of foreign tourists in Jakarta increased 22.16 percent in October to 158,469 visits from 130,542 visits in the previous months, based on the record from three entry points: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusumah Airport and Tanjungpriok Airport.

The number is also higher compared to the same period last year with an increase of 29.74 percent.

Jakarta Central Statistics Agency (BPS) chief Agus Suherman said that this significant increase was due to the approaching Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Agus predicted that the increase would continue in November and December.

He said that the number of foreign tourists in October was the third increase in the last four years.

The top five visitors in October came from Asia: Malaysia with 20,089 visits, followed by China with 16,333 visits, Singapore 13,978 visits, Japan with 11,185 visits and South Korea with 7,377 visits.

BPS also recorded that the occupancy rate in hotels increased to 59.04 percent in October from 48.41 percent in September.