Officials at the ministry of tourism and creative economy in Indonesia have appointed Hume Whitehead as its representation office in the UK, following a competitive five-way pitch.

The appointment marks the very first time the destination has had an office based in the UK and demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to the market and recognition of its contribution to the country’s tourism economy.

The agency has been tasked with raising the profile of Indonesia as a desirable travel destination and increasing visitation from the UK and Ireland. 

The contract, which is effective immediately, will involve the agency working closely with the travel trade to increase and refine distribution of Indonesia’s product offering and increase awareness of the destination to assist and drive sales.

Additional tasks will include marketing, promotion and public relations to maximise share of voice for Indonesia in the media as well as partnerships with provincial and regional Indonesian government tourism offices, such as Bali Tourism Board, Yogyakarta Tourism Board and Batam Tourism Board.

Richard Hume, co-founder, Hume Whitehead, will head up the account supported by PR director, Sarah Habicht and trade sales and marketing manager, Sandra Kwan.

Hume commented: “This is a very prestigious account and we are absolutely thrilled to add such a fantastic country to our growing tourist board portfolio.

“Indonesia is an incredible tourist destination as it is a tropical archipelago in South East Asia with more than 13,000 islands including Bali, known as “Island of the Gods”.

“We very much look forward to promoting Indonesia further within the UK market.”

The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, comprising more than 13,000 tropical islands fringed with white sandy beaches.

Among the most well-known islands are Bali, Java, Kalimantan (formerly Borneo), Papua, Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), Sumatra, and the Maluku Islands (or better known as Moluccas, the original Spice Islands).

The destination offers richly diverse cultures and heritage, beautiful beaches and ecotourism along with green rainforests to trek through and deep blue pristine seas to dive and swim, and the warmest, most hospitable people on earth to welcome UK visitors.