Indonesia's tourism ministry has signed a key sponsorship deal with World Travel Market London 2016 - the leading global event for the travel industry - as the country plans to promote its 'Wonderful Indonesia' brand on a global platform.

The Indonesian Government has set an ambitious target of 20 million international visitors by 2019 - almost double the 10.4 million figure for 2015 - and has changed rules for tourism visas and cruise ships to make visiting the country easier.

Signing a registration sponsorship deal with WTM London will help the destination highlight its attractions and the fact that visiting it is now easier, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.

"WTM is the biggest, most important global travel market in the world", he said. "With WTM's unparalleled reach - 50,000 travel professionals from 183 countries in 2015 - and its ability to generate business, Indonesia considers WTM as a 'must attend' exhibition".

"WTM enables us to promote our message of Wonderful Indonesia in a cost-efficient and effective manner to decision-makers and influencers from around the world".

About 150 delegates from fifty-three companies in Indonesia will attend WTM London (7th - 9th November, 2016) in order to promote attractions such as beach holidays in Bali; UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple in Java; diving at unspoiled Raja Ampat in Papua; golf courses; spas; and shopping in Jakarta and Bandung.

The minister added: "Indonesia is ready to welcome the world with free visas on arrival for citizens of almost all countries; new airports and seaports being built or upgraded throughout the country; and simplified cruise ship regulations to encourage the growth of cruising in our unique archipelago of 13,000-plus islands".

Granting more tourists free access means Indonesia will lose an estimated $11.3 million from visa fees each year - but the move is expected to attract an additional 450,000 foreign tourists annually, generating an additional $500 million in additional foreign exchange revenue.

Furthermore, the number of visitors is seeing double-digit growth, with the 2015 arrivals figure of 10.4 million being more than 10% up on 2014. UK arrivals topped 280,000, an increase of more than 21% on 2014, and 2016 figures are showing strong growth, too.

The minister continued: "The ministry recognises the importance of the UK and EU markets in bringing visitors who stay on average ten days or more, who are high spenders and who appreciate not just Bali but also the cultural and natural wonders found throughout our archipelago of 13,000 plus tropical islands".

"As well as continuing branding and promotion efforts throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East, there are numerous plans to increase tourism promotion efforts in key European markets. These include marketing roadshows in UK and Europe with travel trade and airline partners; more fam tours to Indonesia; and consumer promotions in major travel and lifestyle publications.

"By participating in WTM 2016 and working with our partners in the travel trade, media, and airlines throughout the rest of the year, the ministry expects 2016 will be the best year ever and will keep international arrivals on track to reach a record 20 million by 2019".

WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: "WTM London is delighted to welcome Indonesia as its registration sponsor in 2016".

"The destination has a wonderfully diverse tourism offering, and is making positive changes to attract millions more visitors, so its heightened profile at WTM London will help it to achieve those ambitious goals".

WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals. Buyers from the WTM Buyers' Club have a combined purchasing responsibility of $22.6 billion (£15.8bn) and sign deals at the event worth $3.6 billion (£2.5bn).

WTM London 2016 will be revamped as a three-day event from Monday 7th - Wednesday, 9th November, with opening hours extended from 10am - 7pm for all three days.