Indonesia eyes Singapore’s Taylor Swift gigs, says it needs ‘Swiftonomics’ to boost tourism

Indonesia is considering more incentives to bring in more music, sports and cultural events that would attract travellers to spend more and stay longer.
“We need ‘Swiftonomics’ for Indonesian tourism,” said Tourism Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, referring to how neighbouring Singapore is hosting a series of concerts by US pop sensation Taylor Swift, which are set to bring regional visitors to the city state.

The Indonesian government has formed a 1 trillion rupiah (US$64 million) tourism fund to help it bid for such events.

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Taylor Swift impersonator fills void for Philippine ‘Swifties’ after no-show by US megastar

Taylor Swift impersonator fills void for Philippine ‘Swifties’ after no-show by US megastar

Southeast Asia’s largest economy plans to exempt more nationalities from visa requirements while simplifying permits to make it easier to host events in the country. Meanwhile, the government is imposing a new visitor levy for Bali to raise funds that would go toward protecting the tropical island from the impact of tourism.