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The Rise of “Dry Tourism” and Mindful Travel in Sumba A new travel trend dubbed "Dry Tourism"—focused on alcohol-light, wellness-oriented, and slow-paced escapes—has gained significant traction in Sumba this month. Resorts are reporting a surge in interest from conscious travelers who prioritize mental clarity and deep connection with the island's rugged landscapes over traditional party-centric vacation styles. The Sanubari • 20 Feb 2026 Indonesia Tourism Strategy Shifts Focus to “Quality Over Volume” At the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized a strategic shift toward high-spending, long-staying visitors for 2026. The "Tourism 5.0" initiative uses AI to personalize travel experiences, focusing on the development of the "12 Other Balis," which includes the Sumba region, to distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country. TravelMole • 19 Feb 2026 Indonesia Projects 143.9 Million Travelers for Upcoming Eid Exodus Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that over 143 million people are expected to travel across the archipelago for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. To manage the massive movement, the government is preparing over 31,000 buses and nearly 400 aircraft, while coordinating safety inspections to ensure smooth travel for domestic tourists and homecoming travelers. ANTARA News • 13 Feb 2026 ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026 Records Multi-Billion IDR in Transactions The 23rd ASTINDO Travel Fair held in mid-February showcased a booming recovery for Indonesia's travel market, generating approximately IDR 50.10 billion. While outbound travel to Japan and China remains high, the fair also noted a significant uptick in demand for domestic "off-the-beaten-path" destinations like Sumba and Labuan Bajo for the 2026 holiday season. Travel And Tour World • 11 Feb 2026 Deputy Tourism Minister Showcases Sumba Culture at BCA Expoversary Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, performed a traditional Sumba dance at the BCA Expoversary in Tangerang to promote regional tourism. The event highlighted Sumba's natural-dyed textiles and traditional "Rangkak Alu" dance, emphasizing the government's commitment to integrating local indigenous culture into the national tourism marketing strategy. BCA Media Center • 11 Feb 2026 Pasola Festival 2026: Ancient Spear-Throwing Ritual Begins in Kodi The iconic Pasola Festival, a traditional ritual of spear-throwing on horseback, commenced its 2026 season in the Kodi area of West Sumba. Guided by the appearance of the nyale (sea worms), the event serves as a thanksgiving ritual to ancestral spirits and attracted thousands of visitors to witness the intense displays of bravery and Sumbanese cultural identity. Backindo • 9 Feb 2026 Sumba Ranked as Top 18 Global Destination by Tatler Travel Sumba has been named one of the top 18 must-visit destinations for 2026 by Tatler Travel, placing it alongside global hotspots. The ranking emphasizes the island's appeal to "quiet luxury" travelers seeking authentic connections with nature and culture away from the crowds of mass tourism, solidifying its reputation as Indonesia's rising eco-luxury gem. IndonesiaJuara • 5 Feb 2026 Forbes Lists Sumba in “Top 12 World Destinations for 2025/26” In a significant endorsement, Forbes Travel highlighted Sumba as one of the elite global destinations for 2025 and 2026. The publication praised the island’s ability to offer "cinematic savannas" and "authentic animist culture" without… Forbes Travel / IndonesiaJuara • 27 Jan 2026 Sumba’s “Green Zone” Investment Status (Jan 2026) In a major strategic update, the Indonesian government officially classified Sumba as a primary "Green Zone" for foreign investment. This designation prioritizes projects that utilize 100% renewable energy and maintain a minimum of 70%… Indoned Consultancy • 26 Jan 2026 Opening of Myze Hotel Waingapu Signals East Sumba Expansion While West Sumba has traditionally held the luxury spotlight, the recent opening of the Myze Hotel Waingapu marks a significant shift for East Sumba. Managed by the Artotel Group, this premium property features 127 rooms and… Travel And Tour World • 14 Jan 2026 ↑