DESMA Center and the Ministry of Tourism Encourage Service Quality Through Standardization and Certification of Tourism Business
Author: Siti Nur Hasbiyana, Programme Associate
Various tourism businesses—ranging from accommodations, restaurants, travel agencies, to tourist attractions—offer different products and approaches in delivering services. These differences create a variation in service quality. While this diversity enriches the options available, it also poses challenges in maintaining consistent service standards within the tourism sector. Therefore, the standardization and certification of tourism enterprises become very important.
Standardization and certification of tourism businesses serve as guidelines to ensure consistent quality of service provided by tourism operators. With standardization in place, it guarantees that every tourism business meets minimum service standards, providing assurance of quality, comfort, and safety. Standardization and certification are strategic instruments that can encourage tourism industry players to continuously improve their competence and professionalism in delivering the best quality services.
As part of efforts to strengthen policies related to the standardization and certification of tourism businesses, the Assistant Deputy for Business Standardization and Certification, Deputy for Industry and Investment, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with DESMA Center, will conduct a perception survey of tourism business actors and local governments across various regions in Indonesia. This survey aims to gather direct input from tourism business operators and local governments, which will be used as a policy analysis basis for designing the enhancement of standardization and certification of tourism businesses.
To finalize the survey methodology and instruments, a series of technical discussions and stakeholder consultations were held during April and May 2025 in Jakarta. This process is an important part of ensuring that the approach used is participatory, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of business actors and tourism stakeholders. The survey will be conducted throughout the early part of the second semester of 2025.
By implementing appropriate standards and an accountable certification system, Indonesia can strengthen its position as a competitive and leading tourism destination in terms of service quality and sustainability.
