Many foreign investors struggle to find scalable entry points into Indonesia’s booming tourism sector beyond traditional villa rentals.
The lack of a clear roadmap often leads to missed opportunities in high-growth areas like digital nomad hubs and event-driven tourism. This uncertainty is compounded by the complexity of local regulations, leaving capital on the sidelines.
However, the investment environment has evolved significantly in 2026. The government now treats the creative economy as a strategic growth engine, backed by national roadmaps and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) incentives. With exports from the creative sector surpassing USD 26 billion, the market is ripe for sophisticated capital.
This guide outlines seven concrete opportunities for creative tourism investment that are fully aligned with state policy. From integrated resorts in Mandalika to digital-nomad ecosystems in Bali, we explore how to structure your PT PMA, access tax holidays, and navigate the risk landscape to secure long-term returns.
Table of Contents
- Opportunity 1: Integrated Resorts in Tourism SEZs
- Opportunity 2: Digitized Creative Tourism Villages
- Opportunity 3: Digital Nomad and Co-Working Hubs
- Opportunity 4: MICE and Festival Tourism
- Opportunity 5: IP-Driven Creative Products
- Opportunity 6: Developing Beyond Bali
- Opportunity 7: Tourism Tech and Training Platforms
- Real Story: Laura’s Pivot to Experience Tourism
- FAQs about Creative Tourism Investment
Opportunity 1: Integrated Resorts in Tourism SEZs
The most direct route for large-scale capital is through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), such as Mandalika in Lombok or Lido in West Java. These zones are designed for mixed-use developments that link luxury hotels with event spaces and creative economy MSMEs.
By Q4 2025, Mandalika alone attracted over IDR 5.73 trillion in investment, driven by international events like MotoGP.
Investors here benefit from a structured environment where infrastructure is prioritized by the state, reducing the operational risks often found in standalone projects.
Eligibility for projects in this sector typically requires establishing a PT PMA approved by the SEZ administrator. The primary draw is the fiscal incentive package, which can include 10–20 year tax holidays for investments exceeding IDR 100 billion.
Additionally, investors enjoy streamlined licensing via the OSS Indonesia system, bypassing many regional bureaucratic hurdles. While exact application timelines vary by zone, the framework is designed to fast-track projects that contribute to the integrated resort ecosystem.
Opportunity 2: Digitized Creative Tourism Villages
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) is heavily promoting “Desa Wisata” or tourism villages. These are not just rural homestays but digitized ecosystems where local crafts, culinary traditions, and cultural workshops are marketed globally.
The 2025 programs emphasize raising local income through IP-driven products, making this a socially impactful investment avenue.
Foreign investors can participate by developing eco-lodges or boutique stays that act as commercial anchors for the village.
Structuring an investment in this niche often involves a PT PMA that partners with local communities. This ensures respect for “adat” (customary) land rights while providing the capital needed for infrastructure upgrades.
Beyond accommodation, there is significant potential in building experience-design platforms that package village tours and workshops for international tourists. Success here relies on a benefit-sharing model that empowers the local population, aligning profit with community development.
Opportunity 3: Digital Nomad and Co-Working Hubs
Bali remains the epicenter of the global remote-work movement, but the market has evolved beyond simple coffee shops. There is a rising demand for purpose-built “workation” resorts that offer soundproof “Zoom rooms,” Starlink backups, and ergonomic workstations.
A 2025 case study of a PT PMA-backed resort in Uluwatu showed 95% occupancy in its first year, proving that specialized infrastructure drives premium returns.
This opportunity is generally structured as an accommodation or tourism PT PMA. The KBLI codes used often cover accommodation, co-working, and food and beverage services, each subject to the IDR 10 billion minimum investment rule.
Founders frequently utilize an Investor KITAS linked to their company, allowing them to legally manage operations on-site. Diversification across different remote-worker segments—from crypto traders to corporate teams—is recommended to mitigate the risk of over-reliance on a single niche.
Opportunity 4: MICE and Festival Tourism
The government has identified Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) as a key lever to raise hotel occupancy and support MSMEs. This creates a clear opening for private-sector investment in event-driven infrastructure.
Models range from developing convention centers in major cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta to owning recurring festivals that package music, wellness, and culture.
For investments in this vertical, tax incentives are often available if the project is located within an SEZ. Outside of SEZs, stand-alone event companies must follow general tax rules but can still benefit from the high demand for professional venue management.
Licensing is complex, touching multiple KBLI codes for entertainment, F&B, and security, requiring close coordination with local police and tourism authorities. However, the potential for high-volume revenue during peak event seasons makes this a lucrative vertical.
Opportunity 5: IP-Driven Creative Products
The national roadmap explicitly targets Intellectual Property (IP) as a growth driver. This includes design, fashion, music, film, and culinary brands that can be scaled across tourism destinations.
Investors can fund branded F&B concepts that start in tourist hubs and expand across the archipelago, or fashion brands that leverage the “Bali brand” for global e-commerce sales.
Many of these businesses fall under creative-industry KBLI codes, which are often classified as priority sectors. This status can unlock tax allowances and government support for IP registration and protection.
While the exact incentives depend on the specific sub-sector, the ability to monetize a brand through both physical tourism experiences and digital products offers a diversified revenue stream that is less reliant on daily foot traffic than traditional hospitality.
Opportunity 6: Developing Beyond Bali
While Bali is the established hub, national plans highlight government-designated priority destinations known as “The New Balis”—including Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Likupang, and Lake Toba. These areas offer early-mover advantages for creative tourism investment projects that combine resort development with creative experiences.
For instance, in Mandalika, the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) reported cumulative investments yielding an IRR of roughly 11.2% as of late 2025.
Investment routes in these regions follow similar PT PMA and SEZ rules but often come with lower land entry costs. The government is actively supporting these destinations with new airports and road infrastructure.
However, investors must be aware of destination-specific risks, such as flight connectivity and local workforce capacity. It is crucial not to assume Bali-level demand by default; feasibility studies must be grounded in local realities.
Opportunity 7: Tourism Tech and Training Platforms
The final opportunity lies in the enablers of the ecosystem. Policy documents emphasize the need for digitization and human capital development.
This creates a market for booking platforms tailored to creative MSMEs, as well as vocational training centers for hospitality and creative skills. Investing in the “infrastructure of talent” is a strategic play that supports the broader industry.
These activities typically fall under IT, education, or consulting KBLI codes. Some may be priority sectors eligible for incentives, especially if they demonstrate a clear benefit to local MSMEs. Education-related investments may face additional licensing requirements from the Ministry of Education, but the demand for skilled workers in the growing tourism sector ensures a steady stream of customers for high-quality training programs.
Real Story: Laura’s Pivot to Experience Tourism
Laura, a 38-year-old former event producer from Barcelona, moved to Bali with a plan to open a boutique villa. However, upon arriving in Pererenan, she realized the market was saturated with identical properties. The humidity of the wet season and the constant construction noise made her question her initial plan.
She saw tourists wandering the streets, looking for authentic connections but finding only standard cafes. She realized she needed to pivot her business model but was unsure how to legally structure a venue that was part villa, part workshop.
That’s when she consulted VisaBaliPro to navigate the complex KBLI codes required for a mixed-use creative hub. Instead of just beds, Laura focused on building a “creator sanctuary.” She partnered with local artisans to offer daily workshops on batik and silver-making, integrated into the villa experience.
By formalizing her business as a PT PMA with the correct creative-tourism licenses, she gained the trust of the local Banjar. The shared purpose during her community meetings turned potential friction into a partnership.
Her pivot paid off. By positioning her property as a creative tourism investment, she tapped into a higher-spending demographic of “slow travelers” who stayed for weeks, not days. Her occupancy stabilized at 85% year-round, significantly higher than her neighbors.
Laura’s story proves that aligning with the government’s push for “experience tourism” isn’t just a compliance box to check—it’s a competitive advantage that unlocks long-term sustainability.
FAQs about Creative Tourism Investment
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What is the minimum investment for a PT PMA in this sector?
The general rule is IDR 10 billion per KBLI code, excluding land and buildings. This applies to most creative tourism investment activities, though specific SEZ rules may differ.
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Can foreigners own 100% of a creative tourism business?
Yes, most tourism and creative sectors are open to 100% foreign ownership, but you must check the latest Positive Investment List for specific sub-sector restrictions.
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What are the tax incentives in a Tourism SEZ?
Qualifying investors can receive tax holidays of 10–20 years, tax allowances, and exemptions on VAT and import duties for capital goods.
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Is the digital nomad visa (Second Home Visa) linked to investment?
The Second Home Visa is for residency based on proof of funds (IDR 2 billion) or property. It does not authorize work. Active business management requires an Investor KITAS.
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Are tourism villages profitable for foreign investors?
Yes, if structured correctly. The profit comes from operating high-end accommodation or experience platforms that serve the village, rather than owning village land directly.
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How do I protect my IP in Indonesia?
You must register your brand and IP with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). This is a critical step for any IP-driven business model.
