Jakarta. The Ministry of Tourism aims to develop digital tourism and village homestays, as well as reform the industry to become Indonesia's leading sector and economic core, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said on Saturday (20/05).

During a celebration of National Awakening Day, which takes place on May 20 every year, Arief said the national awakening needs to involve tourism as well.

"Indonesia has to become the world's best in digital tourism and village homestays," Arief said, as quoted in a statement received by the Jakarta Globe.

He added that tourism must become the core of the country's economy and a leading sector.

The Indonesia Tourism Exchange (ITX) platform has been at the forefront of the ministry's efforts to improve digital tourism. The online marketplace links customers with service providers, such as travel agents and more.

The Tourism Ministry has also set a target to establish 20,000 homestays in Indonesia, which according to Arief, is in line with the national target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists annually by 2019.

"Village homestays will be the solution to meet an increasing number of foreign tourists. As we continue to attract more foreign tourists, we will need to increase amenities and accommodation for them – this is where village homestays will play a role," the minister said.

Arief said the ministry's ambition to transform tourism into the country's economic core is possible because the industry contributes to gross domestic product, brings in foreign exchange and creates employment.