Jakarta - President Joko Widodo said Indonesia's tourism competitiveness has improved over the years based on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index.

During a limited meeting on improving the Indonesian Tourism Rankings at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on Monday, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said there is a need to improve Indonesia's tourism ranking.

"I want to say that Indonesia's tourism competitiveness on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index is improving from year to year," he said.

He noted that in 2015, Indonesia ranked 50th, and in 2017, its position rose to 42nd and in 2019, Indonesia's position went up once again to 40.

"Compared with our neighboring countries, for example, Singapore, which is ranked 17th, Malaysia 29th, and Thailand 31st, I think this can be our lesson going forward in improving the four sub-indexes and 14 pillars which are the benchmarks for the index of world tourism competitiveness," he said.

Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia has five competitive advantages compared to other countries, with regard to price competitiveness, policy priorities, natural attractiveness, openness and cultural attractiveness, and business visits.

"And we have shortcomings in the areas of environmental sustainability, health and hygiene, tourism infrastructure which is being continuously improved, security, and a lack of information technology readiness," he said.

He stressed that these notes must be used as a basis for working with measurable and clear targets. (ANTARA)