Kupang, June 26 2026 – The Regional Executive Board of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies of East Nusa Tenggara (DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara/DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Kupang City Government, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) Kupang Branch, and tourism stakeholders to support the increasing number of international cruise ship visits to Kupang.
The commitment was highlighted during an official audience between the Mayor of Kupang, Christian Widodo, and the General Manager of PT Pelindo Kupang Branch, Andhik Wahyu Kristianto, attended by members of the ASITA NTT Executive Board, including Vice Chairman I Johny Rohi, Vice Chairwoman II Nur Ningsih, and Treasurer I Jeny Nggadas.
During the meeting, Mayor Christian Widodo expressed the Kupang City Government’s appreciation for the growing number of cruise ship arrivals at Tenau Port, emphasizing that cruise tourism will significantly contribute to strengthening the regional economy while encouraging the development of a safe, welcoming, and competitive tourism destination.
“Kupang City offers a diverse range of tourism attractions, including natural, cultural, and man-made destinations, all of which are ready to welcome domestic and international visitors, including cruise passengers with special interests. The City Government continues to improve accessibility, attractions, and tourism amenities to ensure visitors enjoy a comfortable and memorable experience,” said Mayor Christian Widodo.
Meanwhile, General Manager of PT Pelindo Kupang Branch, Andhik Wahyu Kristianto, explained that approximately 14 international cruise ships are scheduled to call at Tenau Port this year, with an average port stay of around eight hours. During their visit, cruise passengers will participate in organized excursions offered by local tour operators or independently explore tourism destinations throughout Kupang and its surrounding areas.
To support these arrivals, PT Pelindo has prepared port facilities that meet international maritime standards while also providing opportunities for local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase regional culinary products, handicrafts, fashion, and other creative economy products.
Representing ASITA NTT, Vice Chairman I Johny Rohi explained that ASITA members have been encouraged to develop specialized shore excursion programs tailored to the interests of cruise passengers. These travelers typically seek authentic cultural and heritage experiences, including historical sites, traditional cuisine, handwoven textiles, local handicrafts, traditional markets, and indigenous performing arts.
Among the destinations frequently included in cruise itineraries are the Amarasi King’s Palace in Baun, the Sasando Music Center in Oebelo, demonstrations of traditional palm sap tapping and palm sugar production in Lasiana, the East Nusa Tenggara State Museum, and the Dekranasda Souvenir Center.
Johny also highlighted ASITA NTT’s collaboration with Bank Indonesia Representative Office of East Nusa Tenggara, which includes tourism bootcamps and practical English language training for MSMEs and tourism village managers to improve service quality for international visitors.
Vice Chairwoman II Nur Ningsih emphasized that transportation availability and service quality remain among the key challenges in accommodating cruise tourism. Increasing transportation capacity, improving service standards, and strengthening the competencies of tourism-related MSMEs and port transportation providers are essential to delivering high-quality visitor experiences.
Responding to these recommendations, the Mayor of Kupang reaffirmed the City’s commitment to enhancing tourism-supporting infrastructure, improving transportation services, strengthening tourism human resources, and developing new tourism attractions and events. Initiatives include further promoting the SABOAK Festival as a signature tourism event and revitalizing the King Nisnoni Palace in Naikoten to become an attractive cultural destination for future cruise visitors.
Chairman of DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara for the 2025–2030 term, Oyan Kristian, welcomed the growing collaboration between government institutions, Pelindo, and tourism stakeholders in positioning Kupang as one of Indonesia’s emerging cruise tourism gateways.
“Cruise tourism is far more than the arrival of ships at a port—it is an opportunity to create meaningful economic benefits for local communities. Every cruise visitor represents opportunities for tour operators, transportation providers, local guides, MSMEs, artisans, culinary businesses, and cultural performers. Through stronger collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvements in service quality, ASITA NTT is committed to ensuring that cruise tourism becomes an inclusive driver of sustainable economic growth across East Nusa Tenggara.”
He further emphasized that sustainable cruise tourism development should be built upon high-quality visitor experiences, community empowerment, environmental responsibility, and close collaboration among all tourism stakeholders.
“East Nusa Tenggara possesses extraordinary tourism assets—from world-renowned destinations to authentic cultural heritage and vibrant local communities. By working together, we can position our province as one of Indonesia’s leading cruise tourism destinations while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly among local communities,” Oyan added.
DPD ASITA NTT believes that strong partnerships between government, port operators, tourism businesses, local communities, and development partners are essential to maximizing the economic and social benefits of cruise tourism. With its unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, East Nusa Tenggara is well-positioned to become a premier cruise destination in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.
About DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara
The Regional Executive Board of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara) is the official organization representing licensed travel agencies throughout East Nusa Tenggara Province. ASITA NTT is committed to promoting professional, sustainable, and high-quality tourism while strengthening collaboration between government, the private sector, and local communities to support the long-term development of the tourism industry.
Media Contact
Public Relations Division
DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
Mobile : +62 813-9235-3568
Email : dpd@asitantt.org, admin@asitantt.org
Location: Gorontalo Village, Komodo Sub Regency, West Manggarai Regency, Labuan Bajo, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
