European DMCs and tour operators attending the 41st TTC Travel Mart in Jakarta are increasingly targeting Indonesia’s growing Muslim-friendly and faith-based tourism market.
Sutan Nicko, travel consultant head of Indoreisen UK, said the company is developing thematic programmes under Storynomic, Historinomic, and Panoramic Travel.
“The programmes integrate history, culture, and natural beauty into a meaningful experience,” he shared. “Our Islamic Heritage and Educational Tour includes visits to the London Central Mosque, Cambridge Mosque, and Birmingham’s oldest mosque, alongside historical insights on the co-existence between Islam and the British monarchy during the eras of Richard the Lionheart, Queen Victoria, and King George VI.”
“Our goal is to create religious programmes that open minds, not just pilgrimages. Travellers can learn about social history, education, and interfaith harmony in Europe,” he said, noting that the packages also aim to introduce children to Europe’s multicultural legacy. Indoreisen’s programmes cover the 27 EU countries and other European destinations.
Sureka Saravanan, sales and operations executive of My Trip Global (MTG), said the company focuses on European destinations and senior travellers, providing halal-certified meals, mosque visits, and Bahasa-speaking guides.
“We handle accommodation, meals, and transport directly since we have partnerships with local suppliers. We also have our own coach company, so our pricing remains competitive and affordable,” she said.
MTG covers all European territories, including Western and Eastern Europe, the UK, the Baltics, Switzerland, Italy, and Scandinavia.
Iwan Kip, general manager of Wens Europe, highlighted customisation and cultural sensitivity as key to serving the Indonesian market.
“We create custom-made group programmes, whether it’s for leisure, private tours, or corporate incentives. Once we agree on the details, we manage all bookings and ground operations directly in Europe,” he said.
Wens Europe works with halal-certified restaurants and Bahasa-speaking guides, and can include non-EU destinations such as Iceland or Kazakhstan. Although the company currently has no Indonesian office, it plans to establish one, seeing the market as a growth opportunity.
Iwan noted that while he had previously worked with major players like Dwidaya and Panorama, Wens Europe now sees strong growth potential among smaller, niche-focused agencies in Indonesia. The company plans to establish a local office, reflecting the market’s importance and its commitment to tailored experiences for Indonesian travellers.
