Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip Program, Supports the Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan National Tourism Development Master Plan

PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (TWC) strives to raise the values ​​of quality tourism in the Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan area. This is done by echoing Spiritual Tourism cultural heritage destinations and historical sites. One of them is by presenting an authentic, thematic and inclusive tourism plan to bring prosperity to the community in the destination area.

This is realized by presenting Familiarization Spiritual Trip Borobudur. This spiritual-based tourism program invites participants family trip visit Cultural Heritage sites to learn and absorb the nobility of the sites, which are located in the Central Java and DI Yogyakarta areas. Educational, spiritual and authentic values ​​are raised to inspire a memorable travel experience.

Spiritual Tourism through activities Familiarization Spiritual Trip Borobudur is presented to support the National Tourism Destination Master Plan (DPN) Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan (RIPDN BYP) program. Tourism development in DPN BYP is directed to realize the improvement of quality and growth of tourism activities in 2023-2044.

Vice President of Commercial & Experience PT TWC Emilia Eny Utari said that the development of the tourism ecosystem needs to be done, so as to provide holistic and authentic services to tourists. Strategic policy steps are needed to support the role of various parties in efforts to present quality tourism in the Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan area.

"Post-pandemic, the tourism sector is expected to recover to provide a positive contraction in increasing the Indonesian economy, considering that tourism activities provide... multiply effect for other sectors, such as the craft, culinary and creative economy sectors. Collaboration and active roles from various parties are needed to encourage quality tourism and to awaken the potential of regions and communities," said Emilia Eny Utari in Borobudur, Magelang, Thursday (19/10/2023).

Familiarization Spiritual Trip Borobudur is an introduction program spiritual tourism package which emphasizes authentic experiences at Cultural Heritage sites in DI Yogyakarta and Central Java. Meditation and prayer activities at these Buddhist historical sites are the main attraction for participants from various countries in Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal and India.

Participant Famtrip invited to visit several Buddhist temple complexes in Central Java and DIY such as Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, Sojiwan Temple, Plaosan Temple and Sewu Temple. In these sites, in addition to praying and meditating, participants also gain historical insight and universal and humanist Buddhist values.

In addition to the temple site, participants Famtrip also follow workshop making traditional batik and pottery in collaboration with local craftsmen in Borobudur, Magelang. This activity, in addition to presenting a new and authentic experience, also helps boost the economy of local craftsmen in the Borobudur area.

One of the participants Familiarization Spiritual Trip Borobudur, Dao Tuan Vu, is confident that this tour package will be in great demand by special interest tourists. Moreover, with the number of Buddhists in Asia, it is one of the potentials for growth. Spiritual Tourism in Indonesia.

"I enjoyed the pilgrim journey from the existing Buddhist temples, practicing meditation on Dagi Hill and learning batik. This is a journey with a complete and whole experience. Hopefully, this pilgrim tour can continue to be developed and become a new target, especially for special interest tourists," explained the man from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Famtrip was held thanks to the cooperation of various parties, including the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology through the Cultural Preservation Center Region X and the Borobudur Unit of the Cultural Heritage Museum (MCB), Angkasa Pura I, Bappeda of Magelang City, the Department of Tourism, Youth and Sports of Magelang Regency, Indonesia Inbound Tour Operators Association (IINTOA) and Association of Buddhist Tour Operators Indonesia (ABTO).

Emilia Eny Utari added, through activities Famtrip which has been running, his team has obtained feedback related to the development of effective spiritual tourism packages for participants and stakeholder involved. Various special policies to support spiritual tourism are needed, such as special permits for pilgrim tours, direct flights from the country of origin, as well as special pilgrim tour guides, are expected to be able to help accelerate Spiritual Tourism in the Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan National Tourism Destination (DPN) area.

"Familiarization Spiritual Trip Borobudur is the vanguard of tourism empowerment with its various potentials that can drive economic growth in the Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan National Tourism Destination (DPN) area. We expect support from various stakeholder to continue to play a role in growing a quality tourism ecosystem in Indonesia," he concluded.

The Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan area has been designated by the Indonesian Government as part of the National Tourism Destination Master Plan/Integrated Tourism Master Plan (RIDPN/ITMP) along with Lake Toba, Raja Ampat, and Wakatobi. The Integrated and Sustainable Tourism Development Program with a thematic, holistic, integrative and spatial planning approach aims to develop a competitive tourism area that is able to provide economic, social and sustainable benefits.