Badung. Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno unveiled plans to adopt successful African conservation tourism practices, inspired by his recent meetings with leaders from Zanzibar and Algeria.

At the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, Sandiaga highlighted Africa’s achievements in conservation tourism, noting discussions with leaders from Zanzibar and Algeria. He praised Algeria for its extensive collection of Roman-era ruins, a major tourist draw.

“The conservation tourism practices in Africa are exemplary. They have transformed historical sites into major tourist destinations while ensuring their preservation,” Sandiaga said on Tuesday.

He also lauded Zanzibar’s tourism model, where 30 percent of the economy is driven by wildlife-focused tourism. “Zanzibar's economy thrives on wildlife observation tourism, with visitors opting for glamping rather than luxury resorts, and attractions including giraffes and elephants,” he added.

Indonesia plans to adopt these practices and explore opportunities for student exchanges, as African nations like Zanzibar, Algeria, Sudan, and Morocco express interest in learning from Indonesia’s tourism and sustainability strategies. The collaboration aims to bolster Indonesia’s tourism sector and promote international educational partnerships.

The 2024 Indonesia-Africa Forum is expected to see business deals worth $3.5 billion, a significant increase from the $568 million reported in the 2018 forum. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to partnering with Africa to address global challenges such as hunger and poverty.