Gunungkidul Tourism Translucent 1.6 million visits, PAD has 52 percent

KABARJAWA – Gunungkidul has again proven itself as the main tourist magnet in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Throughout January to the end of July 2025, as many as 1,618,244 people were recorded for a vacation to this exotic -coated district.

That number is not just statistics. That is a real picture of how the charm of Gunungkidul calls travelers from various parts of the country.

Head of the Gunungkidul Tourism Office, Oneng Windu Wardana or familiarly called Windu, confirmed the surge of this visit.

He said that until July 31, 2025, the tourism sector had contributed to the Regional Original Revenue (PAD) of Rp16,840,389,480 or 52.56 percent of this year’s target which was set at Rp32,040,349,900.

“We are optimistic that the target will be achieved even exceeded, seeing the increasing trend of visits, especially in the school holiday season and weekends,” Windu said, Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Windu said that the target of tourist visits this year reached 2,948,195 people. With the achievements of more than 1.6 million tourists in seven months, Gunungkidul has penetrated more than half of the target in only half a year.

Drini Beach Becomes a New Tourism Magnet

Of the many destinations, Drini Beach stole the attention as the most popular destination. Not only offers stunning sea and white sand views, managers also develop various artificial attractions around the coast, creating a more varied vacation experience.

“Drini Beach is now the most crowded. There are artificial rides that are increasingly attractive to visitors. People not only come to swim or relax in the sand, but also look for a new atmosphere,” explained Windu.

However, other beaches along the southern lane are no less shining. Kukup, ngrawe, slili, sadranan, and buluk also continue to record high visits.

These locations are increasingly developing with better infrastructure, extensive parking facilities, and increasing tourist safety.

The Gunungkidul Regency Government does not remain silent. The Tourism Office is actively intensifying promotions, improving infrastructure, and establishing synergy with local businesses.

“We continue to strive to add attractiveness, not only nature but also artificial attractions, local culinary, and cultural experience,” explained Windu.

He also mentioned the important role of the Tourism Community and Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) who were actively involved in maintaining the environment and entertaining guests with the typical hospitality of coastal residents.

Seeing this development, Windu is optimistic that the target of visits and PAD can be achieved earlier, even before the end of the year.

Especially in August and December, visits usually jumped dramatically because of the many national holiday agendas and local cultural activities.

“We hope that the community will continue to maintain the quality of service, beach cleanliness, and tourist comfort. In that way, Gunungkidul remains the main choice of travelers,” he concluded.