Veganism is on the rise, as more hearts and minds embrace a kinder way of living, observes Dr Nunung
Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector is preparing to serve the post-Covid returning Indian tourists with pure vegetarian meals, according to an industry stalwart.
“With travel picking up post-COVID and Indian tourists returning to popular holiday resorts as well as wedding destinations in Indonesia, we have started certifying pure vegetarian meals,” says Dr. Nunung Rusmaiti, Chairman, Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA).
Indonesian tourism authorities are aiming to increase the Indian tourist arrivals to 3 per cent in the coming months from current 2 per cent, she said.
Indonesia allows on arrival visa for Indians which is expected to boost the tourist numbers, most of whom are big spenders, especially on destination weddings, she observed.
Indonesia received over one million international tourists in July 2023, up from 700,000 arrivals in Jan 2023 as travelling resumed post-COVID.
Bali and Bintan islands are among the top resorts and wedding destinations for the Indians, according to Dr Nunung, who represents Delhi-based vegan and vegetarian food classification society Sattvik Certifications.
Sattvik Certification by the country’s hospitality sector will increase consumer confidence to enjoy Indonesian delights, added Dr Nunung.
Food safety regulations are getting increasingly outcome-based and transparent, she pointed out, adding that industries were adopting best practices.
“Amidst the lush tapestry of Indonesian flavors, a compassionate movement is sprouting in the country. Veganism is on the rise, as more hearts and minds embrace a kinder way of living,” observed Dr Nunung, a veteran of travel and hospitality industry in a market of 278 million people.
Dr Nunung also noted that Indonesian consumer behavior towards ordering food has shifted into a more digital approach during the pandemic era, with focus on non-meat meals.
It is a psychological effect following the COVID-19 wave and increasing awareness of effect of livestock production and global warming, she said.
“Judging from the market demand towards Vegetarianism and Vegan Food, Indonesia hospitality sector is no doubt currently improving its practices and processes,” added Abhishek Biswas, Founder of Sattvik Certifications.
Sattvik Certifications, he said, is also gaining global recognition as its tough process of auditing kitchens assures consumers of pure veg meals.
Dr Nunung and Biswas have launched Sattvik Certifications Indonesia earlier this month for promoting vegetarian and vegan foods. Fiinews.com
